Beowulf and the Dragon : Parallels and Analogues - Hardcover

Rauer, Christine

  • 4.11 out of 5 stars
    9 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780859915922: Beowulf and the Dragon : Parallels and Analogues
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0859915921 ISBN 13: 9780859915922
Publisher: D.S.Brewer, 2000

Synopsis

This first comprehensive study of the dragon-fight in Old English and related literatures casts fresh light on Beowulf's last battle.

The vivid depiction of a dragon-fight in the Old English poem Beowulf and its relationship with other literary encounters between heroes and dragons has been the subject of much scholarly debate; yet this is the first comprehensive study of the dragon-fight in secular and hagiographical literature. In a series of five detailed studies the author discusses the analogues and possible sources of Beowulf's famous last battle, drawing on hagiographical,historical, liturgical, heroic and other narrative material to explore the prominence of these episodes within the literary milieu of the Beowulf-poet and his audience. She assembles an extensive corpus of fights between saints and dragons, and demonstrates their striking resemblance to Beowulf's actions. A comparison with Scandinavian material is followed by case studies which examine the dragon-fights of St Samson and the archangel St Michael. Theanalogues discussed are presented with facing translations and detailed bibliographies.

Dr CHRISTINE RAUER teaches in the Department of English at the University of St Andrews.

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About the Author

Senior Lecturer in the School of English and the Institute of Mediaeval Studies at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.

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Publisher
D.S.Brewer
Publication date
2000
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0859915921
ISBN 13 
9780859915922
Binding
Hardcover
Number of pages
240
Rating
  • 4.11 out of 5 stars
    9 ratings by Goodreads