The Battle of Maldon (Anglo-Saxon Poem) 

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.»

There’s a video by Arthurian historian which is a discussion of the poem and is really good. Quite brief tho

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

probably a mistranslation - thanks for mentioning. will keep it in mind for any future readings :)

@@ncjhood Women love it when men do this one cheap trick - it's when they shoot rather than fire their arrows.