Die Alexandreis als typologisches Epos

Abstract

The paper deals with the Alexandreis, a successful 12th-century Alexander-epic by French poet and scholar Walter of Châtillon. It argues that the essential ambiguity of the text manifests itself as an analogy to biblical and exegetical typology. To reflect both the production and the reception of the typological epic, Walter modifies the ancient concept of poetry as an enduring monument. This is demonstrated by analysing three cases of authorial self-reflection: the prose prologue, Alexanders visit in Troy, and the Greek-Jewish sculptor-painter Apelles.