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user-inactivated · 3691 days ago · link · · parent · post: Tolkien's 90 year old unpublished Beowulf translation finally being released in May
Well, there's more to it in my opinion. You're right about the general informality -- but since like you say Tolkien's works were commonly very biblical and grand we know what his preferences are. Also, 'Hwaet' has a strong consonantal sound which 'so' completely doesn't. There needs to be an abrupt harsh sound to grab the audience. My money's on behold. One thing that's refreshing is we know Tolkien's version has absolutely nothing to do with public opinion or the most recent translation, because it was written so long ago.