Unriddling the Exeter Riddles

by Patrick J. Murphy

The vibrant and enigmatic Exeter Riddles (ca. 960–980) are among the most compelling texts in the field of medieval studies, in part because they lack textually supplied solutions. Indeed, these ninety-five Old English riddles have become so popular that they have even been featured on posters for the London Underground and have inspired a sculpture in downtown Exeter. Modern scholars have responded enthusiastically to the challenge of solving the Riddles, but have generally examined them individually. Few have considered the collection as a whole or in a broader context. In this book, Patrick Murphy takes an innovative approach, arguing that in order to understand the Riddles more fully, we must step back from the individual puzzles and consider the group in light of the textual and oral traditions from which they emerged. He offers fresh insights into the nature of the Exeter Riddles’ complexity, their intellectual foundations, and their lively use of metaphor.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2011

Reviews

[Paris Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't give this a proper review as I read it for school but I did find it extremely helpful and would recommend for other first year (uni) english students.

Edit. Unfortunately it didn't mention the specific riddle I was researching but still very useful.

[Emma Noga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of info!