I’m a writer, translator and cultural historian.

I work on ancient literature, especially the Babylonian epics. But my interests range widely, from the oldest known poems to the latest pop culture.

Gilgamesh

My book on Gilgamesh, which includes a new English translation, has been described as “a dazzling /work of scholarship” and “a fresh and vital translation.”

I also translated Gilgamesh into Danish; it was lauded by reviewers as “one of those miracles that makes life worth living.” 

LBL

I am the managing editor of the Library of Babylonian Literature, a book series that seeks to make the classic works of Babylonian poetry more accessible.

Each poem is presented in a facing-page translation with a rich introduction and accompanying essays by leading scholars in the field.

Human

In my latest book, I delve into the Old Babylonian epic Atra-hasis, a history of humanity focused on work.

The poem – and my book about it – explores a range of surprisingly modern themes, including class warfare, disability, artificial intelligence and catastrophic climate change.

Enheduana

My second book was about Enheduana, the world’s first known author: a high priestess who lived more than 4,000 years ago.

My English translation of her collected poems was reviewed glowingly in both the London Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement.

Beowulf

I am also the author of a verse retelling of Beowulf in Danish. Despite most of the poem’s plot taking place just outside of Copenhagen, the epic has been all but forgotten in Denmark, and my retelling aims to bring it the fame it deserves.

I am currently working on the epic’s depiction of genocide and mass murder.

Mythos

In the Danish podcast Mythos, I team up with journalist Lauge Hendrinksen to explore myths from all over the world.

We explore both the forgotten sides of famous myths like Ragnarok and Atlantis, and lesser-known stories like Setne Khamwase and the Huldra from the Faroe Islands.