T H E W O R D H O R D E
Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something
Old Tongues. New Tales. Unearthing the raw power of Beówulf, the stark beauty of Anglo-Saxon verse, and the thunderous sagas of the Old Norse, this blog is your guide through the ancient words that shaped our world. Join us as we journey into the heart of heroic epics, explore the myths, and decipher the languages that echo through the ages.
The latest video from my Englendinga Saga YouTube channel
Ever wonder about the crazy stories behind England's past? Me too! This channel is where I'm attempting to untangle the heroes, myths, and family trees, focusing a lot on Beowulf. Warriors, monsters, good vs. evil – it's all in that Old English poem. As I dig into the poem's history and themes, we'll also be peeking at Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse culture, language, and mythology. Let's explore these ancient worlds together!
Beowulf: Not as Old as Your Grandma Thinks?
Kevin Kiernan's book, "Beowulf and the Beowulf Manuscript," challenges the traditional dating of the Beowulf poem, suggesting it may be contemporary to the Cotton Vitellius A XV manuscript (late 10th/early 11th century) rather than originating in the 8th century. Kiernan's argument is based on detailed analysis of the manuscript itself, including paleography, codicology, and the use of technology to uncover hidden details. This re-dating has significant implications for understanding Beowulf's historical and cultural context, emphasizing the importance of studying the physical manuscript itself.