Question

How did Seamus Heaney incorporate Old English poetry elements in this modern translation?

Answer 1

Poetry written in Old English has no rhyme. Such is the case of Beowulf, which has instead an alliterative structure, with each line split into two halves, with two metrical stresses per half. Seamus Heaney's translation reflected this structure by reproducing the strong rhythm and alliteration of the original poem.

Answer 2

His punctuation is the same as the half-lines used in Old English poetry.