This thesis compares the Old English Battle of Maldon and the Old Norse Haraldskvæði to examine how early medieval poets adapted shared Germanic poetic traditions within different cultural contexts. Through analysis of textual transmission, narrative structure, metre, alliteration, poetic diction, and representations of heroism, the study argues that both poems are sophisticated literary constructions rather than passive survivals of oral tradition.
While Maldon presents a linear and chronicle-like narrative centred on loyalty and moral choice, Haraldskvæði employs a dialogic and episodic structure that frames royal authority within a mythic setting. Particular attention is given to metrical innovation, formulaic language, and foreign-derived vocabulary as reflections of cultural exchange during the Viking Age.
The thesis demonstrates that early medieval battle poetry functioned not only as artistic expression, but also as a means of shaping political legitimacy, cultural identity, and collective memory.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Textual Tradition and Manuscript History
2.1 Maldon
2.2 Haraldskvæði
2.3 Comparative Textual Foundations
3 Narrative structures
3.1 Linear Chronicle versus Dialogic Framework
3.2 Temporal Strategies and Cultural Memory
3.3 Methodological Implications
4 Language, Metre, and Poetic Technique
4.1 Metre and alliteration
4.2 Poetic diction and formulaic language
4.2.1 Foreign-Derived Vocabulary and Cultural Contact
4.2.2 Formulaic Expressions and Poetic Devices
4.3 Oral Performance and Cultural Transmission
5 Heroism, History, and Myth
5.1 Historical Authenticity and Literary Convention
5.2 Faith, Myth, and the Social Drift of Texts
6 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis examines the interconnected literary traditions of Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse culture by comparing the Old English poem The Battle of Maldon and the Old Norse Haraldskvæði. The primary objective is to analyze how these works utilize textual transmission, poetic form, and cultural context to transform historical material into powerful narratives that construct identity and collective memory.
- The role of textual preservation and manuscript history in shaping literary interpretation.
- Comparative analysis of narrative structures and temporal strategies in battle poetry.
- The function of metre, alliteration, and formulaic language as artistic and cultural tools.
- The intersection of historical authenticity, myth-making, and literary convention.
Excerpt from the Book
Linear Chronicle versus Dialogic Framework
Maldon constructs a linear, chronicle-like account of the 991 battle between Anglo-Saxon defenders and Viking invaders near Maldon, Essex. The narrative centres on Byrhtnoth and progresses through clearly identifiable stages: the initial positioning of forces and exchange of messengers, the tactical negotiations over the causeway crossing, the combat culminating in Byrhtnoth’s death, and the extended aftermath exploring individual responses to leadership crisis. This sequential structure mirrors the organisational principles of chronicle writing – i. e. geographical specificity, named actors, chronological cause-and-effect sequencing and linear progression – while incorporating the dramatic techniques of heroic poetry. The poem’s linear progression creates what might be termed a ‘narrowing focus’, beginning with the broad historical situation of Viking raids and tribute demands, then concentrating on the specific tactical and moral choices that determine the battle’s outcome. Byrhtnoth fatally allowed the Vikings to cross the causeway (ll. 89–90). The ensuing battle depicts brutal hand-to-hand combat culminating in Byrhtnoth’s death (168–84), which becomes a turning point testing his warriors’ resolve and loyalty.
The poem juxtaposes loyalty and cowardice. While some warriors, like Byrhtnoth and the steadfast Byrhtwold, choose to stand and fight to the death, others falter. Godric, son of Odda, famously flees the battlefield on Byrhtnoth’s horse, causing confusion and panic among the ranks, as it appears their leader has abandoned them. Despite this, many English soldiers remain determined, expressing their loyalty and willingness to die beside their lord. The poem ends with the English being overwhelmed and slaughtered by the Vikings, yet their courage and sense of duty are celebrated as the highest virtues. The chronicle-like progression creates an impression of historical authenticity that grounds the poem’s moral arguments in apparent factual reality.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the comparative research framework and outlines the four central research questions regarding textual, linguistic, and historical analysis.
2 Textual Tradition and Manuscript History: Investigates the distinct survival conditions of Maldon and Haraldskvæði, noting how manuscript history influences modern scholarly reception.
3 Narrative structures: Explores the contrast between the linear chronicle style of Maldon and the episodic, dialogic framework of Haraldskvæði.
4 Language, Metre, and Poetic Technique: Analyzes how poets in both traditions leveraged specific metrical patterns and linguistic choices to create immersive and authoritative performances.
5 Heroism, History, and Myth: Discusses the tension between historical accuracy and literary convention, and how both poems utilize myth-making to address contemporary societal needs.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes findings on how tradition and individual creativity interact, positioning the poems as dynamic participants in ongoing cultural conversations about power and loss.
Keywords
Anglo-Saxon, Old Norse, The Battle of Maldon, Haraldskvæði, poetic variation, metrical innovation, heroic poetry, literary transmission, cultural memory, oral performance, myth-making, comitatus, skaldic verse, textual history, comparative literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The study provides a comparative analysis of the Old English poem The Battle of Maldon and the Old Norse Haraldskvæði to understand how they transform history into literature.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include textual preservation, narrative structure, the use of metre and alliteration, heroic ethics, and the construction of cultural identity through myth-making.
What is the main research objective?
The thesis aims to demonstrate how these two battle poems, despite different cultural contexts, manipulate inherited poetic material to serve larger rhetorical and political goals.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study employs a multi-level comparative framework, analyzing textual transmission, narrative architecture, linguistic choices, and the negotiation between historical fact and literary convention.
What is covered in the main section of the work?
The work moves from an analysis of textual foundations to narrative structures, an in-depth study of poetic technique, and finally, an exploration of heroism and historical authenticity.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include heroic poetry, textual transmission, comparative analysis, myth-making, Old English, Old Norse, and cultural memory.
How does the linear structure of Maldon compare to the dialogic structure of Haraldskvæði?
Maldon uses a linear, chronicle-like approach to stress historical realism and moral choice, whereas Haraldskvæði uses a supernatural dialogue to elevate the king's achievements to a cosmic level.
How do the poems represent the interaction between pagan and Christian motifs?
Both poems synthesize these motifs to authorize the heroic actions of their subjects, repurposing traditional imagery to meet the religious and political requirements of their respective times.
- Quote paper
- Michael Miener (Author), 2026, Heroism in "The Battle of Maldon" and "Haraldskvæði", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1730741
