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Shannon Winestone's avatar

“Wulf and Eadwacer” is one of my favorites of your translations. I find all the debate regarding the circumstances surrounding the poem’s composition fascinating, and I personally think your own theory on the subject is very compelling. I read this last year on The HyperTexts, and I greatly enjoyed reading it again here. Thank you, Mike!

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

I'm glad you like my translation of "Wulf and Eadwacer" and in my opinion the first great poem of the English language was written by a woman! She really one-upped Eadwacer, didn't she?

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Shannon Winestone's avatar

Yes, she most certainly did!

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

Yes, a marvellous poem even in translation. One of my all-time favorites, and the reason I became a translator.

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Shannon Winestone's avatar

I agree that it is a marvelous poem. I can see why it prompted you to become a translator.

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

Yes, a marvelous poem and it can be argued that the first great English poem, probably older than "Beowulf," was written by a woman. I had never dreamed of being a translator, but after I came up with my translations of "Wulf" it occurred to me that I could use the same techniques with other poems.

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Shannon Winestone's avatar

Well, I’m glad that thought occurred to you! If it hadn’t, the poetry world would have missed out on many superb translations.

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Geraldine A. V. Hughes's avatar

Brilliant, I am captivated by the story. Everything is a story methinks I’ll write my story. Thank you, G

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

If you write your story, please be sure to let me know when you publish it.

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