We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Folklore and Hagiography in Arngrímr's Guðmundar saga Arasonar.
- Authors
Ciklamini, Marlene
- Abstract
The last vita of Bishop Guðmundar Arason of Hólar, Iceland (1161–1237) bears a distinctly learned character. Its author, Arngrímr Brandsson (d. 1361 or 1362), is predominantly interested in exegesis. Yet despite his display of erudition, he delights in the narration of a number of folktales. The question arises how these folktales contributed to the sanctification of a bishop, whose actions in office were controversial during the three decades of his tenure (1203–1236/37). Arngrímr's method was syncretistic. He transmuted traditional belief into the normative Christian mold, with some folktales carrying a political message superimposed upon the historical record. Guðmundr was both a member of the community of saints, emulating holy predecessors in character and in the performance of miracles, and akin to a hero of old, delivering the community from monsters. While his power and function were identical to that of a traditional hero, his attitudinal perspective and means of dispatch were dissimilar. Guðmundr was the agent of God, commanding a spiritual power that would, if necessary, manifest itself in corporeity, a physical force as potent and effective as the brawn of the hero. Accordingly, the folktales serve the same interest as did the miracles. Both were illustrative signs of Guðmundr's incontestable sainthood.
- Subjects
ICELAND; ICELANDIC folk literature; TALE (Literary form); BISHOPS; HAGIOGRAPHY; SAINTS; RELIGION &; politics
- Publication
Fabula, 2008, Vol 49, Issue 1-2, p1
- ISSN
0014-6242
- Publication type
Literary Criticism
- DOI
10.1515/FABL.2008.002