SHIELD MAIDEN

Victoria Fox's incredible performance elevates this reimagining of the Old English poem featuring Beowulf's legendary battle with the treasure-hoarding fire dragon, Fyrdraca. Here the famed warrior-king becomes a favorite uncle to Fryda, an aspiring shield maiden who is caught between her love for Theow, an enslaved Gaelic man in her father's household, and the emotional manipulations of her twin brother, Wiglaf. Woven between lively scenes of court drama and intrigue is the dragon's gradually awakening consciousness, which Fox delivers in a thoughtful tone. The undercurrent of connection pulsating between Fryda and Fyrdraca, who mysteriously bonded after an accident, culminates in an exciting final battle. Fox creates compelling characterizations that drive the action forward and plunge listeners deeply into this epic tale. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2023]