Beowulf & Grendel is a 2005 movie adaptation of the Old English epic Beowulf; filmed in Iceland and directed by Sturla Gunnarsson, it stars Gerard Butler as Beowulf, Stellan Skarsgard as Hrothgar, Ingvar Sigurdsson as Grendel and Sarah Polley as the witch Selma. The film is a cooperative effort between Eurasia Motion Pictures (Canada) Spice Factory (UK), and Bjolfskvida (Iceland). The screenplay was written by Andrew Rai Berzins. The soundtrack was composed by Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson. The story takes place sometime during the early half of the sixth century A.D. in what is now Denmark, but the filming of the movie in Iceland provided many panoramic views of that country's unique landscape.
Adapted from the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, Beowulf, BEOWULF & GRENDEL is a medieval adventure that tells the blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll, Grendel. Heads will roll in this provocative take on the first major work of English literature. Out of allegiance to the King Hrothgar, the much respected Lord of the Danes, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. The monster, Grendel, is not a creature of mythic powers, but one of flesh and blood - immense flesh and raging blood, driven by a vengeance from being wronged, while Beowulf, a victorious soldier in his own right, has become increasingly troubled by the hero-myth rising up around his exploits. Beowulf's willingness to kill on behalf of Hrothgar wavers when it becomes clear that the King is more responsible for the troll's rampages than was first apparent. As a soldier, Beowulf is unaccustomed to hesitating. His relationship with the mesmerizing witch, Selma, creates deeper confusion. Swinging his sword at a great, stinking beast is no longer such a simple act. The story is set in barbarous Northern Europe where the reign of the many-gods is giving way to one - the southern invader, Christ. Beowulf is a man caught between sides in this great shift, his simple code transforming and falling apart before his eyes. Building toward an inevitable and terrible battle, this is a tale where vengeance, loyalty and mercy powerfully entwine. A story of blood and beer and sweat, BEOWULF & GRENDEL strips away the mask of the hero-myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale that rings true through the centuries.
This blade is a replica of the piece that Beowulf uses throughout the movie. It is a fine example of a true ring-hilt sword. Its highly decorated parts have an antiqued finish including the ring (the purpose of which is still unknown). It is made of high carbon steel and comes with a heavy, dark brown leather scabbard, with bronze furniture. Finished with a bronze pommel with simulated bone spacers and a traditional wooden grip.
OVERALL: 36 1/2"
BLADE: 30" long, 1 3/4" wide at guard, tapering to 1" at 1 1/2" from tip
WEIGHT: 2 3/8lbs.