The origins of Beowulf : from Vergil to Wiglaf / Richard North.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

North, Richard, 1961-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Beowulf.

Kings and rulers in literature.

Epic poetry, English (Old)--History and criticism.

Epic poetry, English (Old).

Wiglaf (Legendary character).

Mythology, Norse, in literature.

Civilization, Anglo-Saxon, in literature.

Mercia (Kingdom)--In literature.

Mercia (Kingdom).

East Anglia (England)--In literature.

East Anglia (England).

Physical Description:

xviii, 368 p. : ill.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2006.

Summary:

This fascinating study suggests that the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf was composed in the winter of 826-7 as a requiem for King Beornwulf of Mercia on behalf of Wiglaf, the ealdorman who succeeded him. The place of composition is given as the minster of Breedon on the Hill in Leicestershire (now Derbyshire) and the poet as Eanmund, abbot of Breedon.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

List of Illustrations

List of Figures

Abbreviations

1. Introduction: Beowulf and Wiglaf

2. Dynastic Innovation in Beowulf

3. Vergil and the Monastery in Beowulf

4. Ingeld's Rival: Beowulf and Aeneas

5. 'Quid Hinieldus?' Bishop Unwona and Friends

6. Beowulf and the Library at Breedon on the Hill

7. The King's Soul: Danish Mythology in Beowulf

8. 'Thryth' and the Reign of Offa

9. Hygelac and Beowulf: Cenwulf and Beornwulf

10. King Wiglaf and Eanmundes laf

Bibliography

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y

Z.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. [333]-345) and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0191525731

9780191525735

OCLC:

476245831