Theorizing Old Norse myth

This collection explores the theoretical and methodological foundations through which we understand Old Norse myths and the mythological world, and the medieval sources in which we find expressions of these. Some contributions take a broad, comparative perspective; some address specific details of O...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta Scandinavica
Corporate Author: Myth and Theory in the Old Norse World, Veranstaltung 2009, Aberdeen (Author)
Contributors: Brink, Stefan 1952- (Editor) ; Collinson, Lisa (Editor) ; Collison, Lisa (Editor)
Format: Print Book
Language:English
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Published: Turnhout Brepols [2017]
In: Acta Scandinavica (volume 7)
Series/Journal:Acta Scandinavica volume 7
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Old Norse / Mythology
B Germanic peoples / Mythology
RelBib Classification:AA Study of religion
Further subjects:B Conference program 2009 (Aberdeen)
B Conference program
Online Access: Inhaltsverzeichnis (Verlag)
Description
Summary:This collection explores the theoretical and methodological foundations through which we understand Old Norse myths and the mythological world, and the medieval sources in which we find expressions of these. Some contributions take a broad, comparative perspective; some address specific details of Old Norse myths and mythology; and some devote their attention to questions concerning either individual gods and deities, or more topographical and spatial matters (such as conceptions of pagan cult sites). The elements discussed provide an introductory and general overview of scholarly enquiry into myth and ritual, as well as an attempt to define myth and theory for Old Norse scholarship. The articles also offer a rehabilitation of the comparative method alongside a discussion of the concept of 'cultural memory' and of the cognitive functions that myths may have performed in early Scandinavian society. Particular subjects of interest include analyses of the enigmatic god Heimdallr, the more well-known Ódinn, the deities, the female 'ásynjur', and the 'elves' or 'álfar'. Text-based discussions are set alongside recent archaeological discoveries of cult buildings and cult sites in Scandinavia, together with a discussion of the most enigmatic site of all: Uppsala in Sweden. The key themes discussed throughout this volume are brought together in the concluding chapter, in a comprehensive summary that sheds new light on current scholarly perspectives
Item Description:"The articles in this collection come from a conference entitled 'Myth and Theory in the Old Norse World', which was organized by the Centre for Scandinavian Studies at the University of Aberdeen in October 2009." (Introduction)
ISBN:2503553036