PS-Medieval English Literatures: Runes and Riddles in Old English Literature
Jan-Peer Hartmann
Kommentar
The term ‘Old English’, coined in the nineteenth century, describes the earliest recorded form of the English language as it was written between c. 700 and 1100 CE. The surviving texts, transmitted in manuscripts that were mostly compiled over a thousand years ago, composed according to obscure poetic principles, and written in a language that has little to do with modern English, must by necessity appear enigmatic to those studying it today. However, modern scholarship has long noted that many of the texts in question appear to be deliberately enigmatic in their mode of presentation, that presenting their subject matter in vague or contradictory manner forms part of their playful challenge to the readers to decode their meaning. Some of these texts feature runes, a form of writing that was widespread in most Germanic-speaking areas (in particular Scandinavia) before and after the Christian conversion but rarely used in manuscripts. These characters appear to have been associated with mysteries and hidden knowledge almost from their very inception, although they were also used for monumental and commemorative inscriptions.
In this class, we will look at a number of Old English texts that appear to ask their readers to unriddle their meaning. Some of these employ runes as an additional means of encryption. Students should bring to this class a basic interest in medieval literature and a general open-mindedness to unfamiliar linguistic and literary forms and conventions, or at least an enjoyment of riddling and decoding. The final mark will be based on regular and active participation and a final essay of 2,000 words, to be handed in by the end of the semester.
Schließen16 Termine
Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung