Tag Archives: The Guardian

Tolkien’s death of Smaug: American inspiration revealed

Posted on 9 December 2014 by John Garth

My latest article for the Guardian: As well as its familiar roots in Icelandic mythology, this Middle-earth story also has some surprising transatlantic sources The dragon soars overhead, its underside armoured with gems from its hoard. The bowman has one … Continue reading →

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JRR Tolkien’s translation of Beowulf: bring on the monsters

Posted on 22 March 2014 by John Garth

This week, HarperCollins announced that a long-awaited JRR Tolkien translation of Beowulf is to be published in May, along with his commentaries on the Old English epic and a story it inspired him to write, “Sellic Spell”. It is just the latest … Continue reading →

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Tolkien’s Beowulf translation and Sellic Spell to be published

Posted on 19 March 2014 by John Garth

Just a brief post on a big piece of Tolkien news. I’ve been busy today in the pages of the Guardian and the Telegraph as it was announced that Tolkien’s long-awaited translation of Beowulf is to be published at last. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book news and reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments