<p>This study examines the nature and function of the dead in medieval Norse and Celtic literature. It is demonstrated that agents of the living dead in these literatures have a functional and formulaic role, largely manifested as a process of wish-fulfillment. While the authors of these stories provide resonances of past beliefs regarding the dead, they also appear to have adapted these ideas for their own purposes in order to involve the dead as role-players in their stories. This book contains 11 color photographs.</p>

The Function of the Living Dead in Medieval Norse and Celtic Literature: Death and Desire

Literature & Fiction

Smith, Gregg A.

History & Criticism

Em Texts

During the Middle Ages, says Smith (English, Mountain State U., West Virginia) people lived closer not only to death, but also to the dead, accepting that the dead, though no longer part of the community, interacted often with the living. Examining literature of Iceland and Ireland, he argues that the primary function of the dead was to act as conduits of otherworldly power into the world to serve the needs of the living. He traces the notion to ancient Scandinavian and Celtic death cults and fertility cults. There is no index. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

FUNCTION OF THE LIVING DEAD IN MEDIEVAL NORSE AND CELTIC LITERATURE: Death and Desire

Edwin Mellen Pr

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Books by Smith, Gregg A.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Smith, Gregg A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Function of the Living Dead in Medieval Norse and Celtic Literature: Death and Desire

FUNCTION OF THE LIVING DEAD IN MEDIEVAL NORSE AND CELTIC LITERATURE: Death and Desire