The Old English Epic of Waldere

Front Cover
Jonathan B. Himes
Cambridge Scholars Pub., 2009 - Literary Criticism - 142 pages
The epic fragments of Waldere yield some of the earliest lore concerning migration-period heroes such as Attila the Hun, Theodoric the Ostrogoth, Walter son of Ã]lfhere, and Gunther and Hagen of the Nibelungs, while at the same time expressing political concerns that the Viking-age poet shared with his audience. Imagery and themes such as armaments and the worthiness of warriors to bear them point to the climax of Walterâ (TM)s victory over Guðhere in single combat, a duel presenting an ethical dilemma for Hagen as indicated in both of the extant leaves.

This critical edition resolves some long-standing textual cruces while also providing background on Old English heroism, weapons, and versification.

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Contents

Overview of the Text and Legend
3
The Epic Fragments
11
The Epic Hero
37
Copyright

7 other sections not shown

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About the author (2009)

Jonathan B. Himes is Associate Professor of English at John Brown University. His other publications include articles on Lewis and Tolkien and an edited book on the Inklings entitled Truths Breathed Through Silver (CSP, 2008), as well as a collaborative book on Waldere in Finnish (Minerva, 2005).

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