1. What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
Voluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Remember to give some examples from these texts that support your identification (for example: "Voluspa is an example of the _____ genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: "Hear my words / you holy gods' (l.1) "By Odin's Will I'll speak the ancient lore" (l.3), etc).
2. What are some possible features of residual (or "secondary") orality preserved in Voluspa, according to the criteria Ong (1982) advances?
3. Identify a central incident that happens in at least four of the above texts, and discuss how it is both similar and different in each example (remember to cite from the original texts).
4. How did Tolkien draw on the Old Norse and Old English texts in his The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fantasy novels? Provide some concrete examples.
5. Discuss how Tolkien's use of "tradition" (e.g. older literary sources) differs from the techniques and agendas of modernism (see Week 7 in your Reader).
6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
7. How does the film Beowulf and Grendel "problematise" the hero-myth of Beowulf ? [Subject to viewing]
8. Discuss what you think any of these texts desire (in the sense of their intention, how they wish to be received, what pleasures they offer, etc).
Hi, this is my answer to question one
ReplyDeleteVoluspa is an example of the mythology genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: 'Hear what words/you holy gods" (1.1), and "by Odin's will, I'll speak the ancient lore (1.3), etc.).
This oral text is about Dragon Slayers I, encourages the reader to desire to find out the outcome of the story, which the story teller desires to tell (5).
The language of the period, early written language, resembles the "'semiotic' meaning or emotional force/revealed through/(rhythm, intonation, etc.) (2) Literature and desire. This text is for listening to and memorizing. Therefore, this text would be understood by a mostly illiterate audience using spoken language to convey meaning.
Volsunga Saga is an example of the folk lore genre, as the following references to tragic love from the Icelandic prose fairy tale illustrate: " (see extract, Critical Reader I) .
The text is about family history in the first part of the story, followed by the struggles of the hero, and the future after his death in the second part of the story. There are smaller animals and birds, a dragon, and magic used in the text.
The intended contexts relate to powerful families, and fighting for power. Also, the purpose is a warning to the audience that everything is not what it seems.
The language lends itself to be read, at a time when people are becoming a little more literate.
Beowulf is an example of the epic genre, as the following references to heroic defense of a kingdom illustrate: (see Dragon Slayers I; Literature/Desire, pg 13 & 14). - (Critical Reader - brave Beowulf going to fight the dragon.)
The text is not a mythical poem as it concerns men, not gods. . . . Even though it is related to Norse mythology, especially the hero slaying the dragon. Also, references to beer-halls, kinship, warriors, power struggles, are similar to Norse. Celebrations. However, there is further danger before Beowulf rules as a crowned, wise king. After a long period of time, more danger arises. In old age the king overcomes the dragon with another warrior, but dies and is buried with honour.
In this story of a kingdom where there are good and bad times, reflect life at that time - period context. The purpose is to illustrate life in those times to the intended audience, and that there can be a period of peace with a strong and heroic leader.
In this case, the story is somewhat realistic, and provides a more cohesive view of society in that historical time.
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are examples of the fantasy genre, a modern genre based on Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon sources, as the following references illustrate:
The text provided the foundation of this genre, which the context was intended as a story for children, but not limited to the age range of that audience. The purpose was to expose younger people to the exciting writing, and encourage reading, to find out what happens at the end. This differs from the earlier works, discussed above, as the hero meets good, helpful characters as well as deceitful, dangerous characters on his long journey (The Hobbit). (Critical Reader, pg 29) Lord of the Rings, sequel .
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DeleteI totally agree with Oranoos attitude toward the explantion of the genre type in Voluspa. The remarkable example is “Hear what my words/you holy gods” (1.1) and “by odin’swill, I will speak the ancient lore (1.3), ect).
Oranoos went on to provide and briefed and meaningful explanations and examples as to this oral text and his advice to us to go through the whole to know more about it.
She has also outlined the linguistic feature and sort of the language which has been used during that period of time. For instance, the phonological aspects. He has also clarified the easiness of this text and this it can be apprehended by the most common of the people regardless of their educational levels.
Awadalla, Your positive comments are much appreciated. Thank you. Oranoos.
DeleteHi, I think Volusnga Saga is a fairy tale genre. I am confused of your answer and explanation. Sorry can we discuss it?
DeleteHi Oranoos, I completely agree with your choices for Voluspa and Beowulf but also am really intrigued that you've painted Volsunga as a fairy tale! I'd never considered that perspective and can see now, why you have. The lore of Volsunga definitely resembles how ancient parables were once used to warn and teach audiences life lessons. Really cool and interesting take!
DeleteI just wanted to support your argument for The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings where you state that "the text provided the foundation for this genre" as J.R.R. Tolkien is often referred to as "the father of high fantasy" thus proving your argument.
I believe the text looks like affiliate to the methodology genre, especially some of hem have something to do with creationism. I can also notice that the genre of this text involved in other different headings. Voluspa attaches more to a mythological poem genre or songs. I can notice an example of how Voluspa is a mythological poem since it gives straightforward indications to, he Norse Gods in the text, “Great men and humble sons of Heimdall: by Odin’s
ReplyDeleteVolsunga Saga can easily be identified since the genre is mentioned in the heading. It attributes to the saga genre. Beowulf’s genre is written in a different style, epic poetry we can recognise this by several basic aspects of epic gene that are viewed in this piece. For instance, the text includes many long and formal statements “Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: Many a skirmish I survived when I was youn and mant times of war… “while The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are both recent fantasy novels, yet The Hobbit is to do with chilern’s novels.
I can observe that Lod of rings, The Hobbit, Beowulf and Voluspa are narratives that have been documented to serve as a recounting of ancient history, however, are subject to some sort of controversiality. The texts are relevant to creationism, possessing mighty beings as the creator of the globe for instance Odin and Gandalf. Both are regarded as a supreme power and hold prudence and capabilities that are supernatural, which is prove that the narrative goes with the topic of MYTHOLOGY.
A powerful instance which illustrates that Voluspa Mythology gene is the use of “Holy God” who possess a power over others …. ‘by Odin’s I will speak the ancient lore”
Beowulf is kind of epic poems, while the Hobbit is Fantasy Fiction. The lord of The Rings is like that of Hobbit.
Hi, can you explain why people enjoy watch fantasy movies nowadays? What we can learn from the movie if they are far away the real life？ I found the meaning of the movie is not deep enough. Thank you.
DeleteThe whole Voluspa text is stated as if it were story that is not being verbalized to anyone directly.
ReplyDeleteThe possible features I have noticed from my reading to this text, Voluspa is a kind of oral history that indicates to oracles recitation, which readers might not apprehend in today’s universe. This text is very conventional “hear my words, you holy gods” and very ancient. In the beginning I discovered the text has inspired me to read it in an extensive way because of the terms used. It looks dramatic “you holy gods, humble sons of heimdall” these kinds of words demonstrate residual orality since it belongs to the classes in community. Ong (1982) mentions that orality indicates empathetic and participatory rather objectively distanced” The finality of Voluspa saga tells us another instance of residual orality since it discuss about societies and the destructions that might engulf it. Ong (1982) outlined that there has been a progress in the literacy regarding the writing and the oral sides.
To apprehend the question accurately, I obtained the term “problematise” based on Oxforf university Press, (n.d) problematise indicate to “ make into or regard as problem reuwiring a solution” (par.1).
I believe when the director prepared the film, Beowulf and Gredndel, he tried to make an advanced outlook since Beowulf is merely classic epic. The hero-myth of Beowulf is centred on the hero who had authority, capability, and bravery. Its usual for the hero to defeat the evil. At the Beowulf, the made the character Grendel tin order to be of benefit to the hero. Yet, the audiences may understand the Grendel’s embarrassing status after viewing the film Beowulf and Grendel, since it is from the Grendel attitude.
Real territory was affiliated Grendel and his mother, they didn’t eliminate a man who was save his life. They attempted to demonstrate that his body is an animal, while his mid is a human.
However, he can’t get involved in either of them. He survived just earth-rim-walker as his name Grendel.
A long these segments, the audiences might feel for him, the image of Grendel was moved toward pity monster as well, the Grendel is to be depreciated.
References:
Ong, W. (1982) Orality and Literacy: the technologizing of the word.
London: Methuen. p.1-15
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1997; 1937). The Hobbit London: HarperCollins
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1993;1954). The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. London, HarperCollins
Glenn, Jonathan A. (1991). "To Translate a Hero: The Hobbit as Beowulf Retold."
PAPA 17: 13-34
Oxford Dictionary language Matters (n.d)
From http://ww.oxforddictionaries.com/deifintion/english/problamtisze.
I learn a lot from "Ong (1982) mentions that orality indicates empathetic and participatory rather objectively distanced” The finality of Voluspa saga tells us another instance of residual orality since it discuss about societies and the destructions that might engulf it". Thank you very much. Good point. Literature is important of society. It reflects people's life situation at a certain level. Because the desire.
DeleteYour comment about the director taking an advanced outlook and the audience being empathetic to Grendel, is most interesting.
ReplyDelete1. What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
ReplyDeleteVoluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Remember to give some examples from these texts that support your identification (for example: "Voluspa is an example of the _____ genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: "Hear my words / you holy gods' (l.1) "By Odin's Will I'll speak the ancient lore" (l.3), etc).
Voluspa is a creation myth genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: “Then the holy gods met to give judgement, the holy gods took counsel together: they named night and night’s children, gave names to morning and night afternoon and evening, ordered time by years. (l.22)” “These did not breath, nor think nor speak, they had no hair, no fairness of face; Odin gave life’s breath, Hoenir gave mind, Lodur gave hair, fairness of face. (l.7)”
Volusnga Saga is a fairy tale genre, as the following references from the poem illustrate: “He also sends a wish maiden to Sigi’s son Rerir with an echanted apple that finally allowed Rerrir and his wife to have a child. (Morris Magnusson Charpter1) ” “ Later, he appears as an old, one-eyed stranger and sticks his sword into the tree Barnstokkr during a feast at the palace of King Volsung, declaring that ‘ he who draws this sword out of the truck shall receive it from me as a gift, and he himself shall prove that he has never carried a better sword than this one,’” (Byock 1990,pp.35-36)
Beowulf is a fantasy genre, as the following references from the poem illustrate: “Finally, however, with the aid of the warrior Wiglaf, Beowulf defeats the worm, but at heavy cost. The dragon bites Beowulf in the neck and its fiery venom kills him. The pensive Geats burn Beowulf’s body on a great pyre and then bury the remains with a massive treasure in a specially built tower overlooking the sea.( Mountfort 2019 lecture a )” The dragon emerges enraged and begins breathing fiery destruction on the villages of the Geats, including Beowulf’s castle. Beowulf goes forth to fight him, but he is aged now, suffers burns, and his weapons begin to melt. ( Mountfort 2019 lecture a )”
The Hobbit is a modern fantasy genre, as the following references from the book illustrate: “Then Bard drew his bow-string to his ear. The dragon was circling back, flying low, and as he came the moon rose above the eastern shore and silvered his great wings. (P236)” “The dragon swooped once more lower than ever, and as he turned and dived down his belly glittered white with sparkling fires of gems in the moon — but not in one place.(P236).
Lord of the Rings is a fantasy genre, as the following references from the book illustrate: “Middle-earth (1.1)” “Black speech, e.g. nazg-ring, burz-black”
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6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
ReplyDelete‘Thor’ is a very good movie recently. I watched it just a few months ago. At the beginning of the movie, there is some myths plot which makes the movie creative and more interesting. Finally, the hero won the war, and the earth is peaceful again. ‘The avengers’ is another good movie has some myth plot.
Reading books is very important, while the myths are fun. It can cause adults interest to read or watch an excellent movie. Through these ways, people can think. Western literature origins from different kind of myths. According to Shafti (n.d.), the myths are the bassinet of western culture. It also established the foundation of modern society. It plays a vital role in business as well. On the other hand, people can avoid making some mistakes after knowing about the myth’s character’s experiences to gain wisdom.
8. Discuss what you think any of these texts desire (in the sense of their intention, how they wish to be received, what pleasures they offer, etc).
The author of ‘The Hobbit’ may dislike society nowadays. So he has the desire to write a world which is not real. He may be fed up with the adults’ complexes world. So he wrote a book full of children’s feature. He may think in the real world, most the people try their best to get more money and do not care if hurt other people just for money is completely wrong. In his book, he wrote simple life is very good. That sentence proves that. Sorin was dead in his book. We can see how disappointed and upset J.R.R. Tolkien is with real life. J.R.R. Tolkien may wish people who read this book could be a kind person who living a simple and enjoy their life. The author may wish children could learn from the book and grow up as a good adult to change the society step by step. In his book, there is so much fun. So people who are the same with the author can get some fun from the book so forget some pain from real life.
According to Bennett, A. & Royle, N (as cited in Mountfort ), we may analysis literature more from the society culture and physic factors.
Literature does not only about desire: It also produces and wants desire. Literature produces reading desire and text desire. We can say literature is a desired machine.
References:
Shafti, P. (n.d.), The significance of mythology in today’s world. Retrieved March 15, 2019, from http://www.prepublica.com/blog/significance-mythology-todays-world/
Terry, P. (trans). (1990, 1966). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1997; 1937). The Hobbit, London: HarperCollins
Wikipedia (March 10, 2019), Völsunga saga [the free encyclopedia]. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%B6lsunga_saga
Hi Jenny,
DeleteLike you, I couldn't help but touch on Marvel's Thor when giving an example of Norse mythology present within today's media. I strongly agree with the reasonings you gave as to why myths have a place in today's society and, in particular, appreciate the Shafti quote you gave. I'd really like to hear your expanded thoughts on the quote - like if you believe it applies to Norse mythology or Greek mythology more - or another? Or even some mythical stories you believe hold a lot of significance even now?
Either way, I really enjoy your take on Tolkien's need for child-like escape. In his lifetime Tolkien fought in World War I which would give anybody the desire to create and live in an imagined, fantasy world.
Hi Jenny, I like how you mentioned the fact that Tolkien uses Children's literature as a scape goat to his current surroundings (at the time the literature was written) However, like myself it helps to add quotes from some of his writings as examples for readers to best understand and relate too.
DeleteHey everyone, I'm posting this is in two parts as it is too long to post as one, according to blogger.
ReplyDeleteQuestion one. My answers are that Voluspa is a creation account in the form of an epic poem. Volsunga saga is an epic saga. Beowulf is a legend and epic poem. Finally, the Lord of the rings and The Hobbit are epic fantasy. Lots of epics.
From this point onwards I will be answering question six, with Valuspa, the Thor Ragnarok comic and movie and the novel and tv versions of American Gods (only season one of the show). Full Spoilers.
The entire cause and the events of Ragnarok between the comics, the movie and the mythology are all very different. In the mythological version the events are caused almost entirely by the escape of Fenris Wolf from the god’s prison from there other monsters such as the Migard Serpent Jormungandr who causes the human world of Midgard to be destroyed and is, in turn, killed by Thor, and the fire giant Surtur who kills and is in turn killed by Freyr. All of them at the command of Loki. In the comic story Fenris Wolf and Jormungandr have been fused into a serpentine wolf creature that devourers a sun and does not fight thor and is killed when Thor destroys Yggdrasil which destroys all of the nine worlds, except for Midgard due to the continuation of the rest of the Marvel universe, in order to end Ragnarok, the cycle of death and rebirth that feeds a number of higher gods known as Those Who Sit Above In Shadow. In both the comic and the mythology, the events of Ragnarok are caused Loki, but in the film he is a protagonist, the events having been caused by Hela. In this version Jormungandr never appears and Fenris wolf is nothing but a henchwoman at the beck and call of Hela, being easily destroyed by The Incredible Hulk. While Surtur in this version does destroy Asgaurd it is caused intentionally by Thor in order to kill Hela amd take the Asguardians with him to another planet. Thor allows Surtur’s destruction of Asgaurd in the comic knowing it won’t matter soon. The survival of Thor, Loki the Asguardians in the film being set up for Avengers Infinity War. Much of the plot is also not from any version of Ragnarok, but from a storyline called Planet Hulk. Both marvel versions, both on screen and on panel are mass media meant to make money hence Thor’s survival in the film and Midgard’s in the comic, whereas the mythology was believed completely true by the Norse people and a core part of their culture (Terry, 1996) (Oeming & Berman, 2004) (Waititi, 2017).
In American Gods, we see a world where every god that cultures have ever believed in exist, feeding on and gaining power from belief. In this world when Leif Erikson found the Americas and named it Vineland, the Vikings were there long enough for the blood and belief to form into an American Odin eventually going on to become Mr Wednesday. The mythological Odin is a trickster, having been recontextualized in modern America as a scam artist and grifter with seemingly some regard for the other Norse gods and his human son Shadow Moon and somewhere between no regard and active contempt for everyone else, he is entirely willing to have hundreds of other gods kill each other in a pointless war as a mass sacrifice in his own name. While the mythology refers to Odin as the life giver of our world “Until one of the three of the Aesir assembled there, strong and benevolent, came to the sea; they found on the shore two feeble trees, Ash and Embla, with no fixed fate. These did not breath, nor think nor speak, they had no hair, no fairness of face; Odin gave life’s breath, Hoenir gave mind, Lodur gave hair, fairness of face.” (Terry, 1990, 1996) whereas the version from American Gods is canonically and knowingly a creation of humans saying “They [Humanity] created me, they forgot me.” (Gaiman, 2011). As stated above Norse mythology was believed entirely true, whereas American Gods isfiction, but fiction built around America’s history of immigrants and the way that religions change across nations. Wednesday being a hypothetical version of how Odin would turn out watching all of American history pass him by and see all of his believers die out. The TV version of Wednesday is almost identical, other than being more violent, the book version rarely gets his hands dirty whereas the tv version is completely willing murder Vulcan. These reasons may turn out to be a ruse, but I cannot say this definitively due to the show currently still running (McCoy n.d.) (Gaiman, 2011) (Fuller & Green, 2017).
DeleteMcCoy, D. (n.d.). Odin. Retrieved March 14, 2019, from https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/odin/
Gaiman, N. (2011). American Gods. London, England: Hachette UK.
Fuller, B., & Green, M. (Producer). (2017). American Gods [Television series]. Toronto, Ontario: Stars.
Oeming, M.A. & Berman, D. (2004). Thor Vol. 2 #80-85 [Cartoon]. New York, NY: Marvel.
Waititi, T. (Director). (2017). Thor: rangnarok [Motion picture]. Oxenford, Queensland: Marvel Studios.
Terry, P. (Trans), (1996) Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania press.
What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ? Voluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Remember to give some examples from these texts that support your identification.
ReplyDeleteVoluspa falls into the category of mythological poem as it summarises a Norse interpretation of the universe - from it's conception to its 'ending.' Lindow (2002) gives several definitions of what constitutes a myth, including "the representation of the sacred in words" which the text exhibits through its allusions to Norse deities in the lines "Then Bur's sons, lifted up the land" and "Odin gave life's breath, Hoenir gave mind." Stemming from somewhere between the 9th and 12th century, Voluspa belongs to the Poetic Edda and was likely intended as a creation myth, born out of the human need for purpose and explanation.
Volsunga Saga, in contrast, serves a different aim. Though it features the Norse god, Odin, the text's main narrative focuses on heroes thus characterising it as a legendary saga or fornaldarsögur. Because of this, the intent morphs into something beyond rationalising life and the world around us and becomes a way to relate, inspire and teach. The character of Sigurd, in particular, demonstrates both the text's genre and intent when he slays the dragon, Fafnir. Here, audiences are taught the possibilities of conquering the unconquerable through courage and heroism. Arnold & Finlay (2010) assert that medieval men of the Old Icelandic Age hold fear - and as a subsequence, courage - as fundamental to their identity thus establishing Volsunga as an important resource for them on the power of those emotions. Additionally, Volsunga Saga displays characteristics of a legendary saga by following a familial line - in this case, the Volsungs.
Beowulf, however, is considered an Old English epic poem due to its Anglo-Saxon origins and length which spans over three thousand lines of verse. Though the audiences of Beowulf and Volsunga Saga differ by several centuries, the texts perform a similar function: to inspire valour. In Volsunga's case, the Icelandic societies were heavily influenced by Viking warrior culture thus spurring the need for heroic figures. For Beowulf, the effects of the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian invasion on Britain were likely the reasoning. Characters like Beowulf and Sigurd provide people - men, specifically - a vessel to explore fantasies of heroism, as well as entertainment.
Lastly, Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy come under the literary genre of high fantasy. This is due to their epic scope and inclusion of fantastical elements including elves, dwarves, and wizards. It is without gods and therefore distanced from mythology but does present heroes - in the form of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. These characters depart from the archaic notion of a hero - warrior-like, glory-seeking - and instead exist as an 'underdog' protagonist for the more modern reader. Tolkien's works are familiar with modern audiences as they were published within the 20th century and regained popularity upon the release of the adapted movies which begat an immense film franchise. Though the objective behind The Hobbit is mostly unknown, Martinez (2011) believes this text sprung from Tolkien's experimentation with his Silmarillion mythology and less for the amusement of his children.
References:
DeleteAllison, S.T., & Goethals, G.R. (2019). Hero Stories Give Us Wisdom. Retrieved March 16, 2019, from https://blog.richmond.edu/heroes/2019/02/09/the-heroic-leadership-dynamic-part-2/
Arnold, M., & Finlay, A. (2010). Making History: Essays on the Fornaldarsögur. London: Viking Society for Northern Research.
Buda, R. (2016). Anglo-Saxon and Germanic Culture: The Historical Setting in Beowulf. Retrieved March 16, 2019, from https://owlcation.com/humanities/Anglo-Saxon-and-Germanic-Culture-The-Historical-Setting-in-Beowulf
Heaney, S. (1999) (trans). Beowulf: a new translation. London: Penguin.
Lindow, J. (2002). Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Beliefs. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Martinez, M. (2011). Why Did J.R.R. Tolkien Write The Hobbit?. Retrieved March 16, 2019, from https://middle-earth.xenite.org/why-did-jrr-tolkien-write-the-hobbit/
Morris, W., & Magnussun, E. (Trans.) (1888). The Story of the Volsungs (Volsunga Saga). London: Walter Scott Press.
Terry, P. (trans). (1990, 1966). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1997; 1937). The Hobbit, London: HarperCollins.
Why do we have creation myths?. (2006, March 23). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/
Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
DeleteAspects of Norse mythology can be seen in the character of Mr. Wednesday or Odin played by Ian McShane in American Gods, Marvel's Thor (and accompanying deities) and New Zealand's The Almighty Johnsons. These pieces of modern media summon the old myths from obscurity and give audiences novel characters to explore and understand. The original mythology they're derived from find their footing in the modern world through the enduring immortality of the tales, as well as the escapism they offer. These stories act as vehicles for insight on mankind, similar to the way history trains us against repeating the past. In addition to this, Flom (1939) claims that these myths are "masterpieces of narrative art" which supports the theory that they have an abundance to teach us in relation to the written craft.
References:
Beesley, M. (2011). The Almighty Johnsons [Television series]. Auckland, New Zealand: South Pacific Pictures.
Feige, K. & Branagh, K. (2011). Thor [Motion picture]. United States: Paramount Pictures.
Flom, G. (1939). THE DRAMA OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY. Scandinavian Studies and Notes, 15(5), 135-157. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40915462
Slade, D. (2017). American Gods [Television series]. Santa Monica, CA: Starz.
hey there,
DeleteI really liked how you used your own theories and understanding of what you mean. For me, i would of used the Hobbit because it shows good understand i could compare it with beowulf and use the myth genre and what i think about. It just a understand of what i will be doing. Keep it up ! :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletegreat work here, maybe add some quotes of your understand to back it up.
DeleteThe Voluspa is a mythological poem, with its dramatic pauses inserted through the way it's laid out, and due to its references to gods (e.g. by Odin’s will, I’ll speak the ancient lore). The Voluspa is one of the first or the first poem by the Poetic Edda, and it’s been noted that the last verse of the Voluspa seems a little forced and may have been interpolated much later to have a more Christian ending, or to align the story with the god of peace being God.
ReplyDeleteThe Volsunga Saga is a legendary saga, also known as fornaldarsaga, which literally translates to "story of the ancient era". The Volsunga Saga was inspired by the heroes from the Voluspa and other poems from which the Voluspa came from, and has Sigurd meet the same fate as Thor. Though the Volsunga saga was based off of the heroes in the Poetic Edda, it also preserves some of the poems from the Edda that were lost.
Beowulf is also a poem, however it is an epic poem as opposed to a mythological poem. “An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and events that are significant to the culture of the poet.” Beowulf has a more ‘colonist’ narrative, trying to justify the slaughter of the indigenous people by demonising them. Like Voluspa, it seems that there was some interpolation of the grace of God: “So may a man marked by fate easily escape exile and woe by the grace of God.” It’s possible that the scribe may have also omitted other verses or parts of the story due to the scribe being a devout Christian and may have been afraid of the story, thus inserting that pious line in the story.
The Hobbit is a fantasy, based off of different Icelandic mythologies, and some parts of the story can be directly attributed to the previous aforementioned texts: e.g. the idea of an all-powerful ring like in Volsunga Saga, Gandalf coming from Gandar (stick) and elf, and in Beowulf, the thief comes into the dragon’s lair and takes a goblet, disturbing the dragon, much like how Bilbo Baggins sneaks into Smaug’s lair, disturbing the dragon.
REFERENCES:
Mountfort, P. (2019). Literature/Desire. Lecture, AUT.
(2019). Retrieved from https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe03.htm
Vǫlsunga saga | Icelandic saga. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Volsunga-saga
Edda | Icelandic literature. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Edda
Epic Poetry: Definition, Heroes & Stories - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com. (2019). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/epic-poetry-definition-heroes-stories.html
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ReplyDelete1. What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
ReplyDeleteVoluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Remember to give some examples from these texts that support your identification (for example: "Voluspa is an example of the _____ genre, as the following references to gods from the poem illustrate: "Hear my words / you holy gods' (l.1) "By Odin's Will I'll speak the ancient lore" (l.3), etc).
ANSWER:
1 Voluspa is an example of the mythological genre, as the following references to Gods from the poem illustrate: “Hear my words / you holy Gods” (l.1) “By Odin will I speak the ancient law” (l.3) The mention of God’s and ancient times is an indication of Myth. Voluspa describes the creation, middle and end of the world. Mythological characteristics where a daughter or son of a God acquires supernatural abilities of a mortal in comparison to the average human beings is indicated in the text stating “Thor the son of Earth, son of Odin goes forth to fight the snake, is wounded and walks in pride”. Here the example of Thor as the son of Odin who is considered a powerful God represents the human kind and fights the snake in hopes to save Earth.
2- Volsunga Saga is an example of the Saga genre, based on Old Norse and Anglo-saxon sources through romance/ tragic love of Sigurd and Brynhild and the heroic struggles Sigurd endures throughout the story.
3- Beowulf is an example of an epic genre, a piece of literature written in a way that intricately details the victory of a heroic character who conquers battles with dragons and a swamp monster. Also known as folk / primary epics retelling the stories of tribal / national heroes of the warlike age.
4- The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are an example of a fantasy novel, based on fictional characters and terms used to attract the reader’s attention and, in this case, the targeted audience is children and teenagers.
6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
Answer: Aquaman is a recent movie that has bought back some old Gods and heroes from Obscurity, directed by James Wan. The Old myths of the sea Serpent “Jormungandr” has a similar presence in the movie and goes by the name Atlin. Aquaman who is a half breed from sea and land shares the same role as Thor in the old myths, expected to save the earth from the torments of the sea kingdoms. Using super powers inherited by birth he is on a mission to retrieve Atlin’s sword buried deep in the oceans of Atlanta gurded by a ferocious sea creature. With millions that have tried, the sword of Atlin will only surrender to the worthy successor, sharing similar traits to Anglo-saxon mythologies. Details of how Aquaman retrieves the sword and his journey to saving Earth from his half brother who is a pure sea breed and the return of his mother to them and his human father illustrates commonality with the story beuwolf where the hero conquers battles against creatures and the details of his victory is visible.
References
Hello there Ana,
DeleteI really liked how you used your own opinion about the genres and ideas but maybe if you added more quotes/evidence then your descriptions should of been great. Whereas you have just stated that everyone else. im not saying your one is bad, its execellent because there is no right or wring answer to this but maybe show the readers how you understood what you meant and how you did. Keep it going! :)
Sorry these are my references;
DeleteEncyclopedia Britannica. (2019). Beowulf. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beowulf
Mountfort, P. (2019). Literature/Desire. Lecture, AUT.
(2019). Retrieved from https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe03.html
Vǫlsunga saga | Icelandic saga. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Volsunga-saga
The Norse Gods. (n.d.). Norse Mythology: A Brief Synopsis. [online] Retrieved from: https://thenorsegods.com/norse-mythology-a-brief-synopsis/
Thank you Karishma for the feedback, will definately take that into consideration
Delete1. What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
ReplyDeleteVoluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Voluspa, volsunga saga, beowulf, the hobbit and lord of the rings all include some aspects of fantasy. Voluspa represents the norse mythology. The poem mentions unusual things like giants. In addition it mentions god's several times, which relate to the norse mythology. An example would be the beginning of the poem “Hear my words you holy god's” (1.1). Voluspa also mentions thor which relates to the norse mythology. “ Far-famed Thor, the son of Earth, the son of Odin, goes forth to fight the Snake. Midgard’s defender dies triumphant, but the human race no longer has a home: nine steps beyond the Serpent’s body, Thor, wounded, walks in pride.” (3.1). Volsunga Saga falls under the fairytale genre. It was written in Iceland in the thirteenth century by an unidentified author. The volsunga sagas main theme is power. It focuses on power and the consequences of it if you have power and if you don't have power. Beowulf is considered an old english poem. Some would even consider it a “epic poem”. It can be considered an epic poem because epics often focus on single heroic figures, which happens to be Beowulf. Epics also often involve heroic quests, as in Beowulf’s journey to Denmark. Some critics believed that the poem was a Christian allegory. Beowulf the champion of goodness and light against the forces of evil and darkness. The hobbit is placed under the “fantasy” category. The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear fantasy is Alice In Wonderland. Alice In Wonderland is filled with unrealistic things. Talking animals, a tree that takes you into another world, spells and positions, unknown creatures and people with huge heads and tiny bodies. The hobbit included supernatural beings like elves, trolls, dwarves, wizards and hobbits. It was catered to audiences like young adults.
References:
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2019). Beowulf. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beowulf
eNotes. (n.d.). Volsunga Saga Critical Essays. [online] Retrieved from: https://www.enotes.com/topics/volsunga-saga
Terry, P. (trans). (1990, 1966). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press
6. Identify some recent films, TV shows and/or games which have brought back some of the old gods and heroes from obscurity. What place do the old myths have in the modern world?
ReplyDeleteRecently there has been a lot of movies/ TV shows bring back some of our favorite characters back to life and I’m not mad about it. One of the most shocking returns has been Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. Snow joined the Night’s watch and later on became a Lord Commander. He played a huge role in GOT (Game of Thrones). Snow was deeply wounded and appeared to be dead. Melisandre was practicing with magic and she was Snows only hope in coming back to life. She began by cleaning up his wounds and cutting his hair while throwing it into a pit of fire, meanwhile she was chanting a spell. She got a bucket of water and poured it on his hair and continued to chant the spell. There was no signs of him waking up. Eventually everyone left the room, but he woke up. Another example would be Loki in Thor The Dark World. Thor is in a fight and Loki saves him by impaling the foe with a blade. The enemy then grabs Loki and stabs him with the blade that's sticking out of his chest. Thor mourns for his brother but eventually leaves him on the ground. Thor is talking to Odin, he tells him he can't be the king of Asgard and leaves. After he leaves Odin turns into Loki revealing that Loki is still alive. The final example is Buffy in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Buffy plunged to her death in an attempt to keep a portal to hell from opening, but dies. Her friends held her a memorial. The next season her friend Willow who happens to be into magic, brings her back to life.
Norse mythology is a set of beliefs and stories shared by Northern Germanic tribes. It was passed on from one generation to the next in the form of poetry. There are different supernatural races in norse mythology some include Aesir, Vanir and Giants. Giants were considered terrible magicians. Aesir were primary races of god, they included Odin, Thor and Heimdall. Aging like humans, these gods would stay young by eating magic apples. Vanir were the second race of gods. Initially Vanir and Aesir were battling one another, but Vanir ended up being admitted into Asgard. Some major norse gods included Odin, Thor and Loki. Odin was the chief of god, master of wisdom, magic and poetry. Thor was the god of thunder. He had a magic hammer that would strike his targets but would always return to Thor. Loki was a giant but was allowed into Asgard. He caused a lot of problems, until the gods put him in a cage with a large venomous snake to torment him. Norse mythology is still used to this day. One of the authors that bought back the Norse gods was Neil Gaiman. He published a book titled “Norse Mythology”. Gaiman retells the ancient stories in a modern way and previously took up Norse mythic motifs. In addition Norse mythology's are still used by incorporating them with movies nowadays including the most famous one, Thor.
References:
Cliffsnotes.com. (n.d.). About Norse Mythology. [online] Retrieved from: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/m/mythology/about-norse-mythology
Larrington, C. (2017). Norse gods make a comeback thanks to Neil Gaiman – here's why their appeal endures. [online] The Conversation. Retrieved from: https://theconversation.com/norse-gods-make-a-comeback-thanks-to-neil-gaiman-heres-why-their-appeal-endures-73154
Norse mythology. (2018, July 2). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Norse_mythology&oldid=6180947.
The Norse Gods. (n.d.). Norse Mythology: A Brief Synopsis. [online] Retrieved from: https://thenorsegods.com/norse-mythology-a-brief-synopsis/
Hi , I am posting this in two part as it is too long
ReplyDelete2. What are some possible features of residual (or "secondary") orality preserved in Voluspa, according to criteria Ong (1982) advances?
Some possible features of residual (or "secondary") orality preserved in Voluspa, according to criteria Ong (1982) advances, are that the spoken word knits people together into community. Secondary orality is subordinates and analytic. Orality is "empathetic and participatory rather than objectively distanced: "Hear my words, you holy gods/great men and humble sons of Heimdall" shows all social ranks are included. Orality is "homeostatic": "by Odins will, I'll speak the ancient lore/the oldest of all that I remember" shows conventional knowledge of traditional culture. Voluspa, an oral text, is for listening and memorizing, not for a written, authoritative text.
4. How did Tolkien draw on the Old Norse and Old English texts in his The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings fantasy novels? (Provide some examples.)
In Tolkien's fantasy novels, The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings, he drew on the Old Norse and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) sources, particularly Volsanga Saga and Beowulf, linking mythology genre and creation, as well as other genres.
Beowulf has examples of epic genre, for example, many and long formal statements: "Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: Many a skirmish I survived when I was young and mant times of war/I was", while The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are both recent fantasy novels for children. LOTR, The Hobbit, Volsanga Saga and Beowulf tell of ancient history, linked to upheaval, creationism, with strong characters who are creators of the world, for instance, Odin and Gandalf. Their supreme power and supernatural capabilities demonstrate the mythology genre of the narrative. Even in Voluspa the "holy gods" have power over others.
Reference
Week 1-3
Buckley, C. (2017). How Icelandic Norse Mythology Influenced Tolkien. Retrieved from
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/iceland/articles/how-icelandic-norse-mythology-influenced- tolkien/
McCoy,D. ( 2002). COSMOLOGY. Retrieved fromhttps://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/
Terry, P. (trans). (1990,1966). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia:
University of Pennsylvania Press
Question 1: What genres do the following texts belong to, and how do their intended period contexts, purposes, and intended audiences differ?
ReplyDeleteVoluspa, Volsunga Saga, Beowulf, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
Answer:
The genre used in Voluspa is known as mythological Poem, Norse mythological creation poem and also considered as a Cosmo genesis literature. An example of the above genres mentioned are as follows, “Nothing was there when time began, neither sands nor seas nor cooling waves. Then Bur’s son’s lifted up the land and made Midgard, men’s fair dwelling; the sun shone out of the south, and bright grass grew from the ground of stone” (Terry, 1990) This poem is considered to be originated in oral language among the non-literate culture before being scribed as the prophetess mentions in the poem “I’ll speak the ancient lore, the oldest of all that I remember” (Terry, 1990). Voluspa is considered to be a creation myth as well.
Secondly, “Volsunga Saga” is a lengthy, story of heroic achievement especially in the Norse mythological period which consist of their hero's achievements and bravery. The genre is called “saga”. An example of the saga is, “So when as the worm crept over the pits, Sigurd thrust his sword under his left shoulder, so that it sank in up to the hilts; then up leapt Sigurd from the pit and drew the sword back again unto him, and therewith was his arm all bloody, up to the very shoulder” (Morris, 1888). In the above passage we see the heroic actions of the brave hero who places his life on the table in order to safeguard his nation.
Furthermore, the genre used in “Beowulf” is considered to be an Epic. The definition of epic is an long narrative poem which relates to heroic incidents of a person which is extraordinary by common humans. An example of it is, when Beowulf the hero found out that the fire blowing dragon destroyed his village he became enraged and went against him to finish him up (Heaney, 1999). The example of him putting his life on risk and being proud of being of it is, “Beowulf spoke, made a formal boast for the last time: 'I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning, if the evil one will only abandon his earth-fort and face me in the open” (Heaney, 1999). The other interesting theme which I discovered in Beowulf was the idea of “ colonization”. Heaney (1999) mentions, “There Hygd offered him throne and authority as lord of the ring-hoard: with Hygelac dead, she had no belief in her son's ability to defend their homeland against foreign invaders” (pg. 75). The theory of colonization is probably derived from these mythological texts in the act of colonization.
References:
Heaney, S. (1999). Beowulf: a new translation. London, England. Penguin.
Morris, W. & Magnussun, E. (1888). The story of the Volsungs (Volsunga Saga). London, England. Walter Scott Press
Terry, P. (1990). Poems of the Elder Edda. Philadelphia, USA. University of Pennsylvania Press.