Old Norse Myths, Literature And Society: Papers From The 11th International Saga Conference, Sydney 2-7 July 2000 ((the Viking Collection Vol. 14)

This volume is a collection of thirteen essays by leading scholars from diverse fields. Most of the essays were presented in an earlier form at the 11th. International Saga Conference in Sydney in July 2000. It examines some of the most complex and perplexing questions that arise when modern scholars approach the rich but often puzzling evidence for belief in and use of myths in early Scandinavia. The essays illustrate the advantages of bringing approaches that use a range of methodologies, from literary studies to archeology, and from history to the history of religions, to bear upon the evidence that has survived. Myth And Reality: The Contribution Of Archaeology / John Hines -- Material Metaphores - Some Late Iron Age And Viking Examples / Frands Herschend -- Reminiscences Of Old Norse Myths, Cults And Rituals In Old Russian Culture And Literature / Elena A. Melnikova -- Cultures In Contact / John Lindow -- Encounters With Volur / John Mckinnell -- Magic As Acquired Art And The Ethnographic Value Of The Sagas / Stephen Mitchell -- The Un/grateful Dead - From Baldr To Baegiftr / Vesteinn Olason -- Interpretations Of The Roman Pantheon In The Old Norse Hagiographical Sagas / Simonetta Battista -- Origin Legends And Foundation Myths In Flateyjarbok / Elizabeth Ashman Rowe -- The Role Of Voluspa In The Perception Of Ragnarok In Old Norse-icelandic Literature / Stefanie Wurth -- The 'conversion Verses' In Hallfredar Saga: Authentic Voice Of A Reluctant Christian? / Diana Whaley -- Myth As Sources For Rituals - Theoretical And Practical Implications / Jens Peter Schjodt -- Two Old Icelandic Theories Of Ritual / Margaret Clunies Ross. Edited By Margaret Clunies Ross. Essays Presented At The Eleventh International Saga Conference At University Of Sydney From 2-7 July, 2000. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.