The Battle of Maldon: Together with the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth

The first standalone edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Battle of Maldon, a poetic drama exploring themes of heroism and chivalry during war, includes unpublished and never-before-seen texts and drafts. The attack, immortalized in the poem, is considered one of the defining conflicts of tenth-century England. Tolkien's prose translation is presented with critical essays and a lecture on the tradition of versification in Old English, arguing that it had a significant influence on his fiction, particularly The Lord of the Rings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The Battle of Maldon, a significant poetic drama by J.R.R. Tolkien, stands as a groundbreaking standalone edition that delves into timely themes such as heroism and chivalry during war. This remarkable work features unpublished and never-before-seen texts and drafts, adding depth and richness to its exploration.

In the year 991 AD, a devastating Viking attack occurred upon an Anglo-Saxon defense force, led by their duke, Beorhtnoth. The ensuing battle, which took place along the banks of the river Blackwater, near Maldon in Essex, resulted in a fierce and brutal clash. Widely regarded as one of the defining conflicts of tenth-century England, this attack has left an indelible mark on history.

The poem, The Battle of Maldon, written shortly after the battle, now exists as a mere 325-line fragment. However, its immense value to modern times cannot be overstated. Not only does it serve as a heroic tale, but it also captures the essence of the lost language of our ancestors, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our cultural heritage. Moreover, the poem celebrates ideals of loyalty and friendship, reminding us of the profound connections that existed between individuals during those tumultuous times.

J.R.R. Tolkien, the visionary author behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, held The Battle of Maldon in high regard. He considered it "the last surviving fragment of ancient English heroic minstrelsy." This inspiration led him to compose his own dramatic verse-dialogue, The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelms Son, during the 1930s. The Homecoming imagines the aftermath of the great battle, where two of Beorhtnoth's retainers embark on a perilous journey to retrieve their duke's body.

Peter Grybauskas, a renowned Tolkien scholar, presents for the first time J.R.R. Tolkien's own prose translation of The Battle of Maldon. Accompanied by a comprehensive treatment of The Homecoming and its accompanying essays, this edition also includes Tolkien's captivating lecture, "The Tradition of Versification in Old English." Grybauskas has meticulously crafted a definitive critical edition of these works, accompanied by insightful notes and commentary. He compellingly argues that, except for Beowulf, The Battle of Maldon stands as one of the most significant poetic dramas in Old English literature.

In conclusion, The Battle of Maldon, through its standalone edition and unpublished materials, offers a profound exploration of heroism, chivalry, and the lost language of our ancestors. J.R.R. Tolkien's profound admiration for this poem led him to create his own masterpiece, The Homecoming, which further delves into the aftermath of the great battle. Peter Grybauskas's definitive critical edition, accompanied by insightful notes and commentary, provides a comprehensive understanding of these works and their enduring significance in Old English literature.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008465827