Beowulf and the Celtic Tradition

by Martin Puhvel

Overview

The author traces and evaluates the possible influences of Celtic tradition on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. He discusses theories of the origins of the poem, draws parallels between elements in Beowulf and in Celtic literary tradition, and suggests that the central plot of the poem, the conflict with Grendel and his mother, is "fundamentally indebted to Celtic folktale elements." The study is well documented and rich in references to Celtic literature, legend, and folklore.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780889201224
Publisher:	Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Publication date:	06/25/1981
Pages:	151
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1660L (what's this?)

About the Author

Martin Puhvel is Associate Professor of English at McGill University, where he teaches Old and Middle English language and literature, Old Norse, and folklore. He has contributed numerous articles on various facets of English literature to learned journals. A native Estonian, he has translated Estonian literature into English and vice versa. He holds the Ph.D. degree from Harvard.