Medieval History
Via Unlocked Wordhoard, Old English in NY has a meditation on modern heroism (inspired by the recent spate of films on Beowulf). There are some interesting things here, including the discussion that continues in the comments and a link to the artist Martin Firrell's new project that considers some of these same things (sans Beowulf). I think you could also expand the discussion to include other models of medieval or modern "heroes" -- like Charlemagne or Tony Soprano, among others -- and I think that Ms. Hurley's final musings about the role that medievalists (not just Anglo-Saxonists) have to play in this discussion is spot on.
Anyway, I'm interested to see where all this goes. In particular, I wonder if heroism is really wedded to, and if so if it can really be divorced, from violence. I mean, firefighters are heroes in our society, right? So too are people that jump into rivers to save others who are drowning. Are they less heroes than soldiers or (in fiction) characters like John McClane? And what of the new NBC show, Heroes (or comic books more generally)? There's certainly violence in this latter instance but it's reluctant and certainly not the focus of the narrative. Their heroism stems from their abilities and their willingness to use them to help others, not necessarily in their conflict with the forces of evil. This leaves me wondering exactly how wedded to violence heroism really is in this society, or in any other.
- Violent Knights Feared Posttraumatic Stress
Medieval knights are often depicted as bloodthirsty men who enjoyed killing. But that is a completely wrong picture, new research shows. The knights did not kill just because they wanted to, but because it was their job ? precisely like soldiers today....
- (short) Review Of Wealtheow, By Ashley Crownover
Being a blogger has its perks. It's not just the fame, the fortune, the prestige that naturally associates itself with the act of blogging. Sometimes, just sometimes, you get free stuff. Along with Dr. Noakes and JJ Cohen, I was fortunate enough to...
- Beowulf-what's Up With That?: Some Fledgling Thoughts
No, not the movie, which I confess I have yet to take in. Before beginning I should note that this is my first post to this forum, and I know I can not match the posts of my fellow new bloggers here at Modern Medieval. My thanks to Matt for including...
- Listen To Me
About that "Heroes" event I mentioned earlier, it's coming up soon. And now you can listen to me talk about it. ...
- New Beowulf Book
Beowulf An Illustrated Edition Translated by Seamus Heaney Illustrations edited by John D. Niles ?This illustrated edition is the next best thing to being in the mead hall at Heorot, watching the action, with Heaney chanting it beside you.? ¾Neil...
Medieval History
On Heroes
Via Unlocked Wordhoard, Old English in NY has a meditation on modern heroism (inspired by the recent spate of films on Beowulf). There are some interesting things here, including the discussion that continues in the comments and a link to the artist Martin Firrell's new project that considers some of these same things (sans Beowulf). I think you could also expand the discussion to include other models of medieval or modern "heroes" -- like Charlemagne or Tony Soprano, among others -- and I think that Ms. Hurley's final musings about the role that medievalists (not just Anglo-Saxonists) have to play in this discussion is spot on.
Anyway, I'm interested to see where all this goes. In particular, I wonder if heroism is really wedded to, and if so if it can really be divorced, from violence. I mean, firefighters are heroes in our society, right? So too are people that jump into rivers to save others who are drowning. Are they less heroes than soldiers or (in fiction) characters like John McClane? And what of the new NBC show, Heroes (or comic books more generally)? There's certainly violence in this latter instance but it's reluctant and certainly not the focus of the narrative. Their heroism stems from their abilities and their willingness to use them to help others, not necessarily in their conflict with the forces of evil. This leaves me wondering exactly how wedded to violence heroism really is in this society, or in any other.
- Violent Knights Feared Posttraumatic Stress
Medieval knights are often depicted as bloodthirsty men who enjoyed killing. But that is a completely wrong picture, new research shows. The knights did not kill just because they wanted to, but because it was their job ? precisely like soldiers today....
- (short) Review Of Wealtheow, By Ashley Crownover
Being a blogger has its perks. It's not just the fame, the fortune, the prestige that naturally associates itself with the act of blogging. Sometimes, just sometimes, you get free stuff. Along with Dr. Noakes and JJ Cohen, I was fortunate enough to...
- Beowulf-what's Up With That?: Some Fledgling Thoughts
No, not the movie, which I confess I have yet to take in. Before beginning I should note that this is my first post to this forum, and I know I can not match the posts of my fellow new bloggers here at Modern Medieval. My thanks to Matt for including...
- Listen To Me
About that "Heroes" event I mentioned earlier, it's coming up soon. And now you can listen to me talk about it. ...
- New Beowulf Book
Beowulf An Illustrated Edition Translated by Seamus Heaney Illustrations edited by John D. Niles ?This illustrated edition is the next best thing to being in the mead hall at Heorot, watching the action, with Heaney chanting it beside you.? ¾Neil...