The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original By: George Henry Needler (1866-1962)
The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original by George Henry Needler offers a captivating rendition of a timeless epic. Needler's translation, although ambitious, succeeds in capturing the essence of the original Nibelungenlied in a way that is accessible to English-speaking readers. One of the most striking aspects of this translation is the choice to maintain the original's metre. By preserving the rhythmic structure of the Nibelungenlied, Needler manages to transport readers into the world of heroes and legends. The choice to rhyme the verse adds an enchanting quality, enhancing the poetic nature of the work and making it a pleasure to read aloud. Needler's understanding of the source material is evident throughout the translation. He remains faithful to the storyline, which recounts the tragic events surrounding the Nibelungs and their fateful encounters. The characters are well-developed and powerful, their emotions and conflicts vividly portrayed. Whether it is the brave Siegfried or the strong-willed Kriemhild, each character feels real and engaging. The translator's language choices are commendable, capturing the spirit and tone of the original text. Despite the intricacies of the English language, Needler successfully conveys the drama, intensity, and romance of the Nibelungenlied. The result is a translation that is both accessible to modern readers and preserves the medieval atmosphere of the epic tale. However, it is important to note that the translation may not appeal to all readers. The rhymed verse, while enchanting, can sometimes sacrifice readability. There are moments when the need to maintain rhyme and metre hinders the flow of the text, causing the narrative to feel jarring or forced. Additionally, those expecting a more literal translation may find themselves longing for a more straightforward rendition. Overall, The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original by George Henry Needler is a commendable effort that captures the beauty and tragedy of this ancient German epic. The translation provides an opportunity for English-speaking readers to immerse themselves in the world of knights and honor, while also appreciating the poetic qualities of the original work. Although it may not be the most accessible option for every reader, those with an interest in mythology, medieval literature, or epic poetry will certainly find value in Needler's adaptation. First Page: THE NIBELUNGENLIED Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original By George Henry Needler Associate Professor of German in University College, Toronto PREFACE This translation of the Nibelungenlied is published with the simple purpose of placing one of the world's great epic poems within the reach of English readers. Translations are at best but poor substitutes for originals. A new translation of a poem implies also a criticism of those that have preceded it. My apology for presenting this new English version of the Nibelungenlied is that none of those hitherto made has reproduced the metrical form of the original. In the hope of making the outlines of the poem clearer for the modern reader, I have endeavored to supply in the Introduction a historical background by summing up the results of investigation into its origin and growth. The translation itself was begun many years ago, when I studied the original under Zarncke in Leipzig. G. H. N. University College, Toronto, September, 1904. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION. I. THE NIBELUNGEN SAGA. 1. Origin of the Saga. 2. The Northern Form of the Saga. 3. The Saga as Preserved in the Nibelungenlied. 4. Mythical Element and Historical Element... Continue reading book >>

The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original By: George Henry Needler (1866-1962)

The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original by George Henry Needler offers a captivating rendition of a timeless epic. Needler's translation, although ambitious, succeeds in capturing the essence of the original Nibelungenlied in a way that is accessible to English-speaking readers.

One of the most striking aspects of this translation is the choice to maintain the original's metre. By preserving the rhythmic structure of the Nibelungenlied, Needler manages to transport readers into the world of heroes and legends. The choice to rhyme the verse adds an enchanting quality, enhancing the poetic nature of the work and making it a pleasure to read aloud.

Needler's understanding of the source material is evident throughout the translation. He remains faithful to the storyline, which recounts the tragic events surrounding the Nibelungs and their fateful encounters. The characters are well-developed and powerful, their emotions and conflicts vividly portrayed. Whether it is the brave Siegfried or the strong-willed Kriemhild, each character feels real and engaging.

The translator's language choices are commendable, capturing the spirit and tone of the original text. Despite the intricacies of the English language, Needler successfully conveys the drama, intensity, and romance of the Nibelungenlied. The result is a translation that is both accessible to modern readers and preserves the medieval atmosphere of the epic tale.

However, it is important to note that the translation may not appeal to all readers. The rhymed verse, while enchanting, can sometimes sacrifice readability. There are moments when the need to maintain rhyme and metre hinders the flow of the text, causing the narrative to feel jarring or forced. Additionally, those expecting a more literal translation may find themselves longing for a more straightforward rendition.

Overall, The Nibelungenlied Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original by George Henry Needler is a commendable effort that captures the beauty and tragedy of this ancient German epic. The translation provides an opportunity for English-speaking readers to immerse themselves in the world of knights and honor, while also appreciating the poetic qualities of the original work. Although it may not be the most accessible option for every reader, those with an interest in mythology, medieval literature, or epic poetry will certainly find value in Needler's adaptation.

First Page:

THE NIBELUNGENLIED

Translated into Rhymed English Verse in the Metre of the Original

George Henry Needler

Associate Professor of German in University College, Toronto

PREFACE

This translation of the Nibelungenlied is published with the simple purpose of placing one of the world's great epic poems within the reach of English readers. Translations are at best but poor substitutes for originals. A new translation of a poem implies also a criticism of those that have preceded it. My apology for presenting this new English version of the Nibelungenlied is that none of those hitherto made has reproduced the metrical form of the original. In the hope of making the outlines of the poem clearer for the modern reader, I have endeavored to supply in the Introduction a historical background by summing up the results of investigation into its origin and growth. The translation itself was begun many years ago, when I studied the original under Zarncke in Leipzig.

G. H. N.

University College, Toronto, September, 1904.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.

I. THE NIBELUNGEN SAGA.

1. Origin of the Saga. 2. The Northern Form of the Saga. 3. The Saga as Preserved in the Nibelungenlied. 4. Mythical Element and Historical Element... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

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