Narrative coherence inDigenes Akrites(G)

Markéta Kulhánková

doi:10.1017/byz.2021.14

Abstract

This article argues that coherence in medieval narratives was perceived differently than it is in modern literature, offering an analysis of coherence principles inDigenes Akriteswhich seem to have been more relevant for its original audiences. Drawing on contemporary narratology and recent research on comparable western works, the author does not search for one sole superordinate principle, but rather for so-called structures of mid-range coherence. The article contains some examples of such ‘centres of gravity’ – the schema, the scene and the meaning – in the G version.

Highlights

Scholarship on the Digenes Akrites poem is rich, especially as regards its origins, the relations between the different versions, its oral background and historical context, its genre, and its connections to other literary works
This article argues that coherence in medieval narratives was perceived differently than it is in modern literature, offering an analysis of coherence principles in Digenes Akrites which seem to have been more relevant for its original audiences
The article contains some examples of such ‘centres of gravity’ – the schema, the scene and the meaning – in the G version

Summary

Introduction

Scholarship on the Digenes Akrites poem is rich, especially as regards its origins, the relations between the different versions, its oral background and historical context, its genre, and its connections to other literary works.

Results

Conclusion