Scribal interpretation of problematic passages in Old English poetry: Insights from theories of textual difficulty

This essay examines how early scribes understood and interpreted Old English poetic texts, which often contain passages that are challenging for modern readers. Focusing especially on cases where Old English poetic texts exist in multiple copies, it explores the differences between versions and what they reveal about the ease or difficulty of comprehension among early scribes and audiences. The essay analyzes examples of difficult passages from Beowulf, several Exeter Book riddles, and Cædmon's Hymn, and how they were copied and modified over time. It considers what the different versions of these texts might suggest about the varying degrees of understanding among these scribes and readers. The essay suggests that early audiences faced difficulties not unlike those faced by modern readers, especially relating to the interpretation of structure, redundancy, and cohesion. The essay aims to enhance our empathy for original audiences and for our students as we teach and study Old English texts.