Focusing on medieval women as postcolonial writers, the study explores their unique literary strategies that challenge dominant cultural narratives. By revealing the constraints of gender, these authors created 'unhomely' spaces and inverted traditional gender roles to celebrate female identity. They envisioned idealized feminist societies through fantasy and reclaimed domesticity as a source of autonomy. The works of notable figures like Hrotsvit of Gandersheim and Christine de Pizan exemplify how these women navigated and transformed their literary landscapes, contributing to a minor literature for displaced voices.
This book examines key points of J. R. R. Tolkien’s life and writing career in relation to his views on humanism and feminism, particularly his sympathy for and toleration of those who are different, deemed unimportant, or marginalized—namely, the Other. Jane Chance argues such empathy derived from a variety of causes ranging from the loss of his parents during his early life to a consciousness of the injustice and violence in both World Wars. As a result of his obligation to research and publish in his field and propelled by his sense of abjection and diminution of self, Tolkien concealed aspects of the personal in relatively consistent ways in his medieval adaptations, lectures, essays, and translations, many only recently published. These scholarly writings blend with and relate to his fictional writings in various ways depending on the moment at which he began teaching, translating, or editing a specific medieval work and, simultaneously, composing a specific poem, fantasy, or fairy-story. What Tolkien read and studied from the time before and during his college days at Exeter and continued researching until he died opens a door into understanding how he uniquely interpreted and repurposed the medieval in constructing fantasy.
At what stage in J.R.R. Tolkien's reading of other literatures and mythologies did he conceive of the fantastic mythology of Middle-earth that has become so deeply entrenched in contemporary culture? At what point did medieval epic and legend spark Tolkienian myth? The eighteen essays in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth examine the ancient Greek, Latin, Old Norse, Old English, and Finnish sources from which Tolkien appropriated the concepts, images, characterizations, contexts, and theories that inform his own fictional narratives The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Understanding his invented mythologies requires a rediscovery of those tales of larger-than-life gods and heroes found in northern myths. A well-rounded and essential reader for any Tolkien lover, the book includes several essays that provide background and context, explaining Tolkien's literary aesthetic and his interest in folklore, his love of philology, and the philosophical and religious underpinnings of his narratives. Among the contributors are well-known medievalists and Tolkien scholars Marjorie Burns, Michael Drout, Verlyn Flieger, David Lyle Jeffrey, Tom Shippey, and Richard West. Tolkien and the Invention of Myth identifies the various medieval mythologies woven into the elaborate tapestry of Tolkien's work, making it a vital contribution to the study of one of the twentieth century's most influential authors.
Exploring the profound impact of medieval literature, religion, and culture on J.R.R. Tolkien, this book delves into both his major works like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as lesser-known writings. The author, Chance, examines the diverse sources that shaped Tolkien's unique storytelling, highlighting influences ranging from pagan epics to Christian legends. This analysis reveals how these elements contributed to Tolkien's vision of a distinct "mythology for England."
This comprehensive study delves into the portrayal of heroic women in Anglo-Saxon literature from the seventh to the eleventh centuries, highlighting the surprising abundance and strength of female characters despite the era's ideals of women's passivity. It reexamines key texts, focusing on figures such as the failed women in "The Wife's Lament" and "Wulf and Eadwacer," Grendel's mother in "Beowulf," and saints like Judith and Elene. The analysis draws on both recent and classic Anglo-Saxon studies, enriching the understanding of women's roles in this historical context.
Exploring the interplay of power, politics, and language, this critical appraisal delves into the themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy, which celebrates the ordinary individual as a hero. Jane Chance examines the work's "mythology of power," connecting its fantastical elements to real-world twentieth-century contexts, particularly during the rise of Hitler. This analysis offers a fresh perspective on Tolkien's enduring legacy and the relevance of his narratives in contemporary discussions of heroism and societal challenges.
The book explores the evolution of hybrid mythography in medieval literature, highlighting how mythological commentary evolved by merging scholarly insights with courtly and personal narratives. Jane Chance delves into the historical context and significance of this transformation, providing a comprehensive analysis of its impact on literary traditions.
The exploration of Juno's mythic world reveals themes of creation, suffering, and the essence of poetry. Jane Chance delves into the connections between classical gods and medieval mythographers, highlighting how these writers sought to comprehend human existence and natural forces through the lens of Christian truth. This analysis offers a unique perspective on the interplay between ancient mythology and medieval thought, showcasing the enduring relevance of these narratives in understanding life and spirituality.
Highlighting the contributions of women in medieval studies, this volume features memoirs, biographical essays, and interviews that celebrate pioneering figures often overlooked in traditional references. It encompasses various nationalities and academic disciplines, showcasing individual women's lives, intellectual achievements, and their struggles in a male-dominated field. Collectively, these narratives form a vital resource that underscores the importance of women's roles in shaping scholarship and the academic landscape.
