Since 2015, OENPP has moved beyond strictly narrative poetry, venturing into other genres of early English verse, including a complete translation of the Exeter Book riddles, the poems of contemplation (often called the “Elegies”), and wisdom poetry (like the enigmatic Solomon & Saturn and The Order of the World).

That’s Middle English (from the Canterbury Tales, ca. 1390). For the Old English texts, you might try here: Old English Poetry in Facsimile

It’s what makes poetry not prose. My work has always aimed to make a modern reader step back & work at decoding the message. When previous scholars have translated these poems that illusion of simplicity is put there so we only hear their interpretation.

the old men conversed together about good Beowulf, saying that they did not think the noble man would return that he would not come seeking the famous prince, flush with victory. Then it seemed to many that the sea-wolf had slain him. Then came the ninth hour. The valiant Scyldings retreated from the cliff.

It is said of old how Andrew suffered a great number of fierce attacks and torments in that heathen city. He saw by the wall, wondrously rooted beneath the plains of time, columns—and not small ones— pillars standing battered by the storm, the old work of giants. He, mighty and mind-bold, wise and wonderfully sagacious, made conversation

You list “…genuine, often terrifying hardships and risks like treacherous weather, piracy, shipwreck, etc” covered by the Old English for “earfoð-hwile” as an example of why suggestion of “hours of fuckery” is inappropriate.

sometimes an old churl. At once he discovers, who struggles against me and with violence he grapples with mine— foolishly he shall seek the earth with his back, if he does not desist. Robbed of strength, strong in his speech, benumbed of his ability, he has no control of his mind, feet or hands. Ask what I am called, who so binds my slaves ...

“The Dream of the Rood” audio–Robert Joyce trans. Dr. Aaron K Hostetter, The Old English Poetry Proj. If the narrator is Robert Joyce, I have been able to find the author, Robert Joyce, but no Robert Joyce, narrator.

nine and twenty winters old in the world, hardened by malice-works, when this happened, and then on the thirtieth was this prince consecrated. (15b-21) The Death of Eadward. In this year King Eadward, lord of the English, sent his truth-fast soul unto Christ into the protection of God and the Holy Spirit. He dwelt for a while in this world

for many years, old-accursed with imprisonment because they thought to deny forever the people of Moses, if the Measurer allowed them, their much-desired journey.