Date of Award
8-1999
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Medieval Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Thomas Amos
Second Advisor
Dr. Larry Syndergaard
Third Advisor
Dr. Mary-Ann Constantine
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The folk-motifs of shape-shifting and transformation are an important mechanism in both Medieval Welsh and Icelandic literature. To better understand these motifs it is important to consider the ideas behind and the belief in these concepts. The role of the shaman and the separable soul, the Double, and the psychological projection all form a basis for shape-shifting in Medieval literature.
The Welsh literature will include: Pwyll, Prince qf Dyfed, Manawydan Son of Llyr, Math Son of Mathonwy, Lludd and Llefelys, Culhwch and Olwen, Peredur Son of Efrawg, The Hanes Taliesin,/em>, and the transformational poetry of Taliesin. The Icelandic literature to be examined includes: The Saga of the Volsungs, King Hrolj and His Champions, the sagas of Gongu-Hrolf, Hqfdan Eysteinsson, Bosi and Hellaud, Egil and Asmond, Stur/aug Starfsama, Eyrbyggja, and Egil.
By examining the Welsh and Icelandic literatures of the Middle Ages, looking at the motifs of shape-shifting and transformation, it is hoped that we will come to understand how the motifs were employed in each culture's literature, what the element of belief was, and the possible basis for their conception in Medieval literature.
Recommended Citation
Cairo, Samanatha J., "The Significance of Shape-Shifting and Transformation in Medieval Welsh and Icelandic Literature: The Ingenuity of Medieval Writers" (1999). Masters Theses. 4207.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4207