I recommend Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf. I particularly recommend the CD of Seamus Heaney reading his translation of Beowulf. Put it on in the background while doing a quiet hobby or tidying the house, and have a fine poet and storyteller open his word-hoard for you.
> The Icelandic sagas have the
> advantage in that their literary style is very approachable to a modern
> reader - and they focus on broader issues than heroic actions.
You might want to warn your players that the sagas are a bit of an acquired taste.
I had a minor revalation about oral storytelling when I read the first section of Laxaela Saga aloud in instalments at a 5-day camp. The simple change of pace made a difference. Slowing down to hear all the words -- rather than skimming to get to the next bit of plot because reading quickly is good, right? -- meant that I picked up a lot of texture and foreshadowing that I'd missed when reading to myself. There's something quite cosily communal about making and mending and cooking and cleaning while someone tells a long but familiar story. I suspect it helps steadmates get along, especially in Dark season.
Cheers,
Jennifer, who's also keen on work songs
-- Jennifer Geard ------------------------------
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