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IMC 2007: Sessions

Session 504: Medieval Biographies

Tuesday 10 July 2007, 09.00-10.30

Organiser:Sverre Bagge, Senter for middelalderstudier, Universitetet i Bergen
Moderator/Chair:Sverre Bagge, Senter for middelalderstudier, Universitetet i Bergen
Paper 504-bQui adheret capiti, unum corpus efficitur: The Function of Royal Portraits in William of Malmesbury's Pre-Conquest Narrative
(Language: English)
Sigbjørn Olsen Sønnesyn, Centre for Medieval Studies, Universitetet i Bergen
Paper 504-cThe Making of a Medieval King: The Early Life of King Sverre of Norway According to his Biography
(Language: English)
Sverre Bagge, Senter for middelalderstudier, Universitetet i Bergen
Abstract

The session deals with biographies in various historiographical traditions in the Middle Ages, Russia, England, and Norway.
Paper b: The aim of this paper is to investigate William of Malmesbury's notion of the role of kingship for the formation and development of the gens Anglorum, through an investigation of the form and function of his descriptions of various kings and their impact on the society under their rule. Particular emphasis will be placed on the influence of classical and patristic moral-political thought on William's mode of presentation and the doctrine he propagates.
Paper c: The paper deals with the birth and youth of the future King Sverre as described in the saga, his gradual awareness of his royal origin and how he decides to fight for the throne. Against this background it aims at discussing contemporary views of kingship and human character.