Tuesday Intros & Teaser Tuesday - 'Beowulf'

In order to keep my inspiration rolling, I'm going to use one of the texts I'm using for my essays as my book for these two memes, since that is the one I'm trying to read. I might sneak in a cheeky Star Wars teaser as well though, since who can resist the power of a good Star Wars novel? First Chapter First Pragraph - Tuesday Intros is hosted by Diane from Bibliophile by the Sea and Teaser Tuesday is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

Beowulf was written by an anonymous poet between the 8th and 11th century and it is one of my favourite Anglo-Saxon poems ever. I'm using the Seamus Heaney translation, which is genius.

Intro:

'So. The Spear-Danes in days gone byand the kings who ruled them had courage and greatness.We have heard of those princes' heroic campaigns.
There was Shielf Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.This terror of the hall-troops had come far.' l.1-6

Yes, this first paragraph isn't about Beowulf himself, but I love the idea of history and legend in all of Anglo-Saxon poetry.

Teasers:

'Great Queen Modthrythperpetrated terrible wrong.If any retainer ever made boldto look her in the face, if an eye not her lord'sstared at her directly during daylight,the outcome was sealed:' l. 1932-36

and this is for the Star Wars novel I promised, Darth Plagueis by James Luceno.

'"I know this plant. It will poison me.""It will," Plagueis told him in a manner that held no sympathy. "But I will make certain you don't die."' p.92

Plagueis is definitely a Sith Lord and I'm loving the novel so far!

So, what are you teasing with now