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IMC 2004: Sessions

Session 1220: Israel in the Rain: Anglo-Saxon Appropriations of the Old Testament

Wednesday 14 July 2004, 14.15-15.45

Sponsor:Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Saint Louis University
Organiser:A. Keith Kelly, Saint Louis University, Missouri
Moderator/Chair:Judy Krane-Calvert, Medieval Institute, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Paper 1220-aThe 'Comitatus' of God: The Germanization of Genesis and Exodus in Old English Poetry
(Language: English)
A. Keith Kelly, Saint Louis University, Missouri
Index terms: Biblical Studies, Language and Literature - Old English, Pagan Religions
Paper 1220-bThe Enemies of God: Anglo-Saxon Approaches to the Assyrians in Daniel and Judith
(Language: English)
Laura M. Reinert, Saint Louis University, Missouri
Index terms: Biblical Studies, Language and Literature - Old English, Pagan Religions, Religious Life
Paper 1220-c'Stranghynde': Conceptions of the Biblical David and Alfred the Great's Propaganda Machine
(Language: English)
Larry J. Swain, University of Illinois, Chicago
Index terms: Biblical Studies, Language and Literature - Old English, Pagan Religions
Abstract

The Old Testament appears to have held great fascination for the Anglo-Saxons, in part because the stories and figures of the ancient Bible could be readily clothed in garb suitable to the Germanic ethos. Using a combination of cultural, linguistic and exegetical approaches the papers in this session will explore this Germanic appropriation of the Old Testament. Specific attention will be given to the stories of Genesis, Exodus, Daniel and Judith, as well as conceptions of the Biblical David. The papers will investigate the relationships between the Old Testament, and Christianity in general, and the Anglo-Saxon culture, and how each was, or was not, suited to the other.