18. Medieval English storytelling: myth, legend and literature

A myth is an anonymous traditional story with its roots in cultural or national folk beliefs that rely on the supernatural to explain the mysteries of the world. A legend is also a traditional tale handed down from generation to generation, but unlike a myth, a legend is believed to be based on history. Usually, a legend celebrates the heroic qualities of a national leader.

The world that Malory created for Arthur is far from the primitive world of the Celts and Anglo-Saxons. Rather, it is the world of chivalry – a world of elaborate (сложного) courtesy and high ideals, in which the knights devote their formidable skills to making life better for the poor. Thus, the historic Arthur becomes a legendary.

19. The Seafarer: peculiarities, plot, symbols

‘The Seafarer’ is another example of such secular, or nonreligious, Old English poetry. An anonymous poem included in The Exeter Book, a famous collection of Anglo-Saxon poetry compiled in about 975, ‘The Seafarer’ is especially noteworthy (примечателен) for its lyrical nature. It expresses the emotions of an old sailor who realizes the sadness of life, its difficulties, and its brief duration. In expressing his feelings the speaker also portrays the miseries and attractions of life on the Irish and North seas. Of the 123 lines that make up the complete poem, the most representative portions follow.

20. The Venerable Bede. The Ecclesiastical History of the English People as a religious work of art: plot, image of protagonist, genre peculiarities

The History tells about the Anglo-Saxon conquest & vicissitudes of the petty kingdoms that comprised A-S. England, Bede’s main theme, however, is the spread of Christianity & the growth of the English Church.

The History is a hagiography – it contains many stories of saints & miracles, meant to testify to the grace & glory of God.

Caedmon, ah illiterate cowherd employed by the monastery of Whitby, miraculously received the gift of song, entered the monastery, & became the founder of a school of Christian poetry.

21. Caedmon. Hymn: peculiarities and themes

The Hymn is a verse made by Caedmon. In this song he sang the creation of the world, the origin of man, and all the history of genesis.