Beowulf and the Celtic TraditionWilfrid Laurier Univ. Press, 2010 M10 30 - 151 pages The author traces and evaluates the possible influences of Celtic tradition on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. He discusses theories of the origins of the poem, draws parallels between elements in Beowulf and in Celtic literary tradition, and suggests that the central plot of the poem, the conflict with Grendel and his mother, is "fundamentally indebted to Celtic folktale elements." The study is well documented and rich in references to Celtic literature, legend, and folklore. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
adventure ancient AngloSaxon epic appears argument Baldr basic Battle of Magh Bear’s Beowulf Bjarki blood Breca Cain Caladbolg Carney cave Celtic folktale Celtic influence Celtic tradition Celts century Chambers Chapter combat companions Conall conceived concept connection course creatures Cuchulain Cúchulainn Culhwch and Olwen decapitation Dehmer deicidal demon dwelling echo encounter episode fearsome feat Fergus mac Roich fight Finn folklore footnote fury Geats Germanic giant giantwrought sword Grendel story Grendel’s Mother Grettis saga hand Heorot hero hero’s heroic Hygelac Icelandic sagas indebted indebtedness indicated instance Irish tradition Jeremiah Curtin killing King legend light literary literature Loch magic manifest monster monstrous motif myth mythic nature Nordic noted ogress origin Otherworld Panzer parallels poem poet puzzling question rage reference reflect represents Sandhaugar Scandinavian seems slain slaying story in Beowulf striking struggle subaquatic suggested survival swimming Sydow tale translated trolls Tuireann underwater warriors waterfall watermonster weapon