"Take warning by him O Beowulf.
Wondrous it seems when Almighty God gives a man fortune and fame and a wide dominion - power over great parts of the earth, an empire so ample that he can comprehend no end to it. But it ever comes that the frame of the body fragile yields, fated falls, and there follows another who joyously thy jewel divides, the royal riches, and cares not for his predecessor.
Take thou, therefore, good head, O Beowulf, against pride and arrogance. choose the better path; profit eternal. Now, indeed, thou art in the pride of they strength and the power of they youth; but there will come of surety, sooner or later, either sickness or the sword; fire shall consume thee or the floods swallow thee up. Be it bite of the blade or brandished spear, or odious age, or the eyes' clear beam grown dull and laden.Come in what shape it may, death will subdue even thee, thou hero of war."
This is the friendly advice given to Beowulf by King Hrothgar of Denmark. Grim though it may be, it is sound.
Gareth Hinds' graphic novel adapts the classic Norse myth of the legendary warrior named Beowulf. Originally self-published by Gareth Hinds as a series, it has been released again, by Candlewick Press as a single graphic novel, albeit with a new text which is based on a 1904 translation by A J Church.
The book follows a poetic approach rather than using prose and at first glance the text may not seem to be directly linked to the images around it. On careful inspection though, the reader finds that the images tell a story by themselves, often times embellishing details that the poetic text glosses over; the details of battle, for instance. Hinds does not intrude on his visual story-telling by putting in unnecessary words - words that may take away from a reader's comprehension of events.
Beowulf is initially shown to be god-like in his stature, strength, reserve and ability to take down mighty monsters. The first part of the book builds on the legend that was the mythical Beowulf in his youth. On conquering Grendel and his troll-mother, Beowulf is showered with gifts by King Hrothgar of the Danes. Perhaps the most important "gift" given is the advice quoted above.
Until this point, one might be led to believe that this is another story of an all-conquering hero, who with his great abilities and strength is able to perform many great deeds, but this is where Hinds' vision comes into play. We see Beowulf again, but in old age! He possesses a similar stature, but his visage is that of an old man - one who has seen a lot in his life. He is almost resigned to impending death when he sets out, again, to take on a monster/dragon that has been tormenting his people.
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