Widsith, Ealhhild, and a Potential Appeal to Kentish Royalty.

The article focuses on the depiction of Ealhhild in the Old English poem Widsith as a powerful female patron whose presence reinforces the poet's role as a recipient of royal generosity. Topics include the literary tradition of queens as gift-givers, the significance of Ealhhild's praise as the only...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Studies in Philology Vol. 122; no. 2; pp. 156 - 180
Autor principal: Deskis, Susan E.
Formato: Poetry Review
Publicado: University of North Carolina Press Spring2025
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:The article focuses on the depiction of Ealhhild in the Old English poem Widsith as a powerful female patron whose presence reinforces the poet's role as a recipient of royal generosity. Topics include the literary tradition of queens as gift-givers, the significance of Ealhhild's praise as the only specific poetic performance in the text, and the possibility that her character was crafted to appeal to an audience connected to the royal house of Kent.