New Light on Formulas in Oral Poetry and Prose , ed. Daniel Sävborg and Bernt Ø. Thorvaldsen. Utrecht Studies in Medieval Literacy, 57. Turnhout: Brepols, 2023, ix, 368 pp.
This collection of essays evaluates oral poetry in traditions such as Old English and explores new approaches in the field, highlighting challenges to past assumptions.
Key Points
Contributions include analysis of Old English and oral poetry from diverse traditions.
The book features thirteen essays that provide insights and challenge established views in the field.
Essays derive from a 2019 symposium in Tartu, focusing on texts from Slavic, Celtic, and Germanic backgrounds.
This volume suggests reconsiderations of prior beliefs about formulas in oral poetry across multiple cultural contexts.