3.5 because of the translator’s cool introduction touching on power, masculinity, isolationism, and uplifting the feminine wherever possible in this translation. This was quite enjoyable yet jarring in its execution: sometimes you get the most beautiful descriptions then followed by “Bro” or “Beowulf takes no shit” (as two examples, though “Bro” flows better than most). The writing overall is quite strong, and I do think this translation will appeal to young Gen Z/Gen Alpha as they come to study Beowulf in school.