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IMC 2013: Sessions

Session 1302: Paranormal Encounters, IV: Love and War

Wednesday 3 July 2013, 16.30-18.00

Sponsor:University of Iceland, Reykjavík / Icelandic Research Fund
Organiser:Ármann Jakobsson, Reykjavik Academy, Reykjavik
Moderator/Chair:Kolfinna Jónatansdóttir, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, Reykjavík
Paper 1302-aThe End of the Line: Knowledge and the Paranormal in Vafþrúðnismál
(Language: English)
Andrew McGillivray, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, Reykjavík
Index terms: Language and Literature - Scandinavian, Pagan Religions, Philosophy
Paper 1302-bNature Stones, Flying Carpets, and Shape-Shifting: The Use of the Fantastic in Bridal-Quest riddarasögur
(Language: English)
Védís Ragnheiðardóttir, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, Reykjavík
Index terms: Folk Studies, Gender Studies, Language and Literature - Scandinavian
Paper 1302-cLiminal Characters and Spaces in (Family) Sagas
(Language: English)
Anna Katharina Heiniger, School of Humanities, University of Iceland, Reykjavík
Index terms: Folk Studies, Historiography - Medieval, Language and Literature - Scandinavian, Pagan Religions
Abstract

The session is one of four formed by the Icelandic 'Encounters with the Paranormal' project.The project is directed towards how the paranormal (supernatural, occult) is defined in medieval Iceland. Its appearances in various types of medieval texts, e.g. Sagas of Icelanders, Sturlunga saga, bishops' sagas, the Eddas and legendary sagas, will be surveyed. The main focus of the project is on one hand how the paranormal is defined and categorised, specifically relating to the concepts which are used and their meaning. On the other hand the focus is on the experiences of individuals and their access to the uncanny and the otherworld. This session focuses on the various uses of the paranormal for those with access to paranormal knowledge.