Abstract
AbstractThis essay traces relations between Sneglu-Halli, an Icelandic poet, and King Haraldr “harðráði” Sigurðarson of Norway as realized in episodes ofSneglu-Halla þáttrdealing with the patronage, composition, performance, and reception of poetry, and their consequences for both king and poet, reciprocity and rulership. The king commands extemporaneous verse composition but is tolerant of scurrilous comments on his person if witty and well-crafted. The necessarily quick-thinking poet must often versify in a reactive mode but succeeds in bringing not only personal agency but criticism of royal rule to the fore. The short narrative also explores the concept oftvíræðior ambivalence in verse, where the insulting runs parallel to the innocuous.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Similar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.