Layamon's Brut (eBook)

active 1200 Layamon (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
165 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654702365-4 (EAN)

Infos

Layamon's Brut, written by the active 12th century poet Layamon, is a seminal text in medieval English literature. This epic poem, written in Middle English, is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur, drawing from both British and French sources. What sets Layamon's work apart is its unique blend of English and Welsh traditions, establishing itself as a bridge between the two cultures. The poem's dramatic narrative style and use of alliterative verse make it a captivating read, echoing the oral storytelling tradition of the time. Layamon, an obscure figure, is believed to have been a priest in Worcestershire, lending a religious undertone to his writing. His decision to undertake the daunting task of creating a comprehensive account of King Arthur's reign reflects his dedication to preserving the ancient stories of Britain. Through Layamon's Brut, readers gain insight into the cultural and literary landscape of medieval England, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle for power. Scholars and enthusiasts of medieval literature alike will find Layamon's Brut a valuable and enriching read, offering a rare glimpse into the world of King Arthur through the lens of a talented and largely overlooked poet of the 12th century.

Autor

Active 1200 Layamon, also known as Lawman, was a seminal figure in early Middle English literature. A priest at Areley Kings in Worcestershire, his work reflects a transition between Old English and Middle English literary traditions. Layamon's most distinguished contribution to English letters is 'Layamon's Brut', a sprawling 16,000-line chronicle of Britain that is a remake of Wace's 'Roman de Brut'. This work, also referred to simply as 'Brut' after Britain's legendary founder Brutus, draws on the history of Britain from its founding myth through the death of King Arthur. Written in a distinctive blend of Old and Middle English, the poem showcases a unique blend of alliteration and rhymed couplets. Layamon's prose was notably interspersed with a rich variety of vocabulary, including terms of Old English and Old Norse origin, which attests to the linguistic richness of England at the turn of the 13th century. Layamon's literary style indicates a conscious bridging of the historical and literary tradition of the Anglo-Saxons with newer Norman influences, capturing a transformational period in English history. He stands as an important precursor to later English writers, paving the way for the diversification of literary style and language in English poetry. 'Layamon's Brut' remains a critical text for scholars interested in the evolution of English literature and the interplay between oral and written traditions in the medieval period.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 29.5.2022
• Übersetzer: Eugene Mason
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Regional- / Landesgeschichte
• Schlagworte: anglo-saxon chronicle • Anglo-Saxon Culture • Arthurian legend • arthurian legends • Arthurian romances • british folklore • British history • Brut chronicle • Epic Poetry • Folklore and Mythology • French Literature • historical chronicles • Historiography • Layamon poet • legendary characters • medieval English texts • Medieval Literature • Medieval narratives • Middle English literature • Middle English poem • Romances • Translations into English • Vicar Layamon