An edition of Svipdagsmál
<p>Section I of this thesis establishes a text of the two Old Norse poems <i>Gróugaldr</i> and <i>Fjǫlsvinnsmál</i>, known collectively as <i>Svipdagsmál (Sv)</i>. Previous editions are surveyed, discussing their use of the two MSS upon which the emended tex...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | Old Norse English |
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1991
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| Summary: | <p>Section I of this thesis establishes a text of the two Old Norse poems <i>Gróugaldr</i> and <i>Fjǫlsvinnsmál</i>, known collectively as <i>Svipdagsmál (Sv)</i>. Previous editions are surveyed, discussing their use of the two MSS upon which the emended text offered by this edition is based, Stockholm Papp. 15 8vo and Rask 21 a (I.1). Reasons are given for the choice of these two MSS (out of the forty six MSS known to the editor) and the two MSS are described (I.2). The emended and normalised text is accompanied by a translation and summary apparatus (I.3), followed by a Commentary (I.4). A reconstruction is attempted of the history of the MS tradition (I.5). This reconstruction is based on computer collation of the MSS and database analysis of the collation, together with external evidence where available. The reconstruction confirms the choice of Stockholm Papp. 15 8vo and Rask 21 a: most of the other MSS appear descended from one of these two.</p>
<p>Section II gathers together analogues to the poems in Celtic, Icelandic and Scandinavian ballad tradition. The story was earlier an Irish mythical tale, itself an adaptation of an international popular tale of the "giant's daughter" type (II.2). Traces of this original tale are to be found in Icelandic popular tradition (II.3). The Scandinavian <i>Ungen Svendal</i> ballads seem derived from <i>Sv</i> itself (II.4).</p> <p>Section III analyses the poet's use of Old Norse poetic and mythological materials. The poems are skilful studies in Eddic style (III.2) and the poet shows a deliberate creativity in the adaptation and invention of mythological material (III.3-5).</p>
<p>Evidence is presented for a date of composition in the early thirteenth century (IV.1). A study of the art of the poems shows a poet of rare skill (IV.2).</p> |
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