I have read this poem many times as part of my reading of all things Tolkien. I have long pondered the themes of nobility, pride, and defeat in this piece.
Maybe that should be next on my Forgotten Tolkien series! Great poem, and Tolkien's analysis of the Battle of Maldon is very interesting (and controversial!).
@@ncjhood That would be very good. I like that he points out that «the Danes» were probably mostly Norwegians led by Olav Tryggvason - a very important figure in our history. Whatever the truth of it, I believe it ;) Also, these are some of my very favourite lines in all of literature. A perfect example of fatalism (in the true sense of the word; not defeatism) and heroic will: «Heart shall be bolder, harder be purpose, more proud the spirit as our power lessens! Mind shall not falter nor mood waver, though doom shall come and dark conquer.»
Unfortunately, we don't know who wrote the poem or when exactly it was written. Just some time at the end of the Anglo Saxon age. You can find more information here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_of_Maldon