I read Beowulf to my kids (in Tolkien's translation) when they were 3 and 5. They really got into it, and seemed to pick up the plot without my explaining it to

I read Beowulf to my kids (in Tolkien's translation) when they were 3 and 5. They really got into it, and seemed to pick up the plot without my explaining it to them. When Æscher was killed, my 3yo called out "Beowulf should have been there!" Epic poetry is concrete and visual, and doesn't ask much of a listener, compared to other forms of poetry. It's great for kids. I've read them various poems from the Exeter book, but it's never been a success, even when I explain the answer. On the other hand, they're more interested in riddles now, so it might work. I got them to sit through The Dream of the Rood, and my explanation of it, but it was a real stretch. So for kids, Beowulf is best.