The Deorhord

I was originally going to buy this when it came out in hard back but completely missed it, so was really looking forward to it coming out in paperback.

This is a brilliant mix of a couple of things I’m quite fascinated in, beasts and language especially old language and forgotten beasts.

There are a few sections and Hana looks at a variety of beasts that are common (and not so common) in Old English literature from eagles through elephants to stranger beast that defy description.

Each chapter stands alone beautifully and gives various references to literature that include that animal, breaks down symbolism, especially that linked to Christianity, and ends with a glossary of the Old English words used in that section.

Travelling through tales from Beowulf, Alexander (the not-so Great), and various Saints these tales are fascinating and kept me interested from start to finish, great variety and all put together so well.

Thanks to Profile Books for sending this out on its paperback release for me to ogle.