Modern English Translations Modern English Translation: Lines 1-19 of Beowulf Listen! We have heard Of the glory of the Spear-Danes in days of yore, the People-Kings, How the noble-born performed courageous deeds. Often Shield Sheafson took the mead-benches From enemy bands, from many races; He terrified warriors! Even though he was first found as a homeless child, he had this comfort: He waxed strong under the clouds, prospered in honors, Until all of the nations sitting around Over the whale-road had to heed him, And pay tribute. That was a good king! To him a son was later brought forth, Young in the dwelling places, whom God sent To comfort the commonfolk. He perceived The sinful distress they suffered, lordless a long while. Because of that, the Life-Lord, Wielder of Glory, Gave him worldly honor. Beowulf was famous-- His glory spread widely--Shield's son through all the Northlands! So should a young man work good deeds In his father's household with splendid treasures . . .

YCNRDTHSSYSJHN What does that say? YcnrdthssysJhn Capitalization Y cn rd ths sys Jhn Spaces "Y cn rd ths," sys Jhn. Punctuation "You can read this," says John. Vowels

Punctuation is a fairly new concept! Hyphen (-) 13th century Colon (:) 14th century Comma (,) 1520 Semi Colon (;) late 16th Century Quotation Marks (“) 18th century

How many different ways can you punctuate this line? a woman without her man is lost

a woman without her man is lost Beowulf has over 3000 lines!

Other Problems Word Meanings Hand Written Marks Material/Ink Structure

give it to your partner to decode it. Assignment: Write a note to the person sitting next to you. However, you must: Only use Uppercase Letters (Print or Cursive). Do not used any spaces. Do not tell them what you are writing. Do not use any vowels. You must write at least 30 letters. When you are finished, give it to your partner to decode it.