The Old English Epic of Waldere

by Jonathan B. Himes

The epic fragments of 'Waldere' yield some of the earliest lore dealing with migration-period heroes such as Attila the Hun, Theodoric the Ostrogoth, Walter son of AElfhere, and Gunther and Hagen of the Nibelungs, while at the same time expressing the political concerns that the viking-age poet shared with his audience. Imagery and themes such as armaments and the worthiness of warriors to bear them lead to the climax of Walter's victory over Guohere in single combat, a duel presenting an ethical dilemma for Hagen as indicated in both of the extant leaves. This critical edition resolves some long-standing textual cruces while also providing background on Old English heroism, weapons, and versification.

Genres: Poetry, Anglo Saxon, History, Epic, Medieval, Folklore

165 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2014

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant study, text and translation of the waldere fragments. The author places the fragments in the context of an Anglo-Frankish culture, rather than the usual Anglo-Danish culture that was put forward by past editors of the poem. By using ultraviolet lights on the text, Himes manages to establish that the word mid is actually the Old High German/Franconian word mit, firmly establishing Frankish influence on the poem.

Of particular interest is the authors idea that the beginning of the fragment is the ending of a digression/episode on Wayland the Smiths forging of the sword Mimming and that the first three words of the fragment "hyrde hyne georne" instead of the usual "encouraged him eagerly" should be translated as "forged it in earnest" thus linking the fragments to the forging of the sword and deception of King Nidung, by eagerly forging an inferior sword and giving the replacement sword to Nidung, while keeping Mimming for himself. Later Velent gives Mimming to his son Widia, when he departs to join Dietrich and his champions in the Velent the Smith Section of the Thidrekssaga. This theory again sets the poem inline with the Franconian traditions that are thought to be preserved in the Thidrekssaga.

Himes' edition of this poem also includes a glossary and appendices on weapons and war gear and heroic vocabulary. The introduction is also extensive and highly readable, with short summaries of the continental versions of the Walter legend.

[Heidi]

Luin tästä suomennoksen, jonka pohjalla Jonathan Himesin akateeminen työ Walderen parissa. Kirja kattaa kaksi lyhyttä säilynyttä fragmenttia. Huomio kiinnitetään Walderen sijasta seppä Welandiin. Tarinat täynnä sotia, taisteluita, petosta jne.

[Thom Dunn]

{RECO, Neil, 1-31-2012}