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IMC 2013: Sessions

Session 705: Converting the Isles, III: Narrating Conversion

Tuesday 2 July 2013, 14.15-15.45

Sponsor:Leverhulme Trust Network 'Converting the Isles'
Organiser:Brittany Schorn, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, University of Cambridge
Moderator/Chair:Brittany Schorn, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, University of Cambridge
Paper 705-aPagan Kings and Cursing Clerics: Depicting Conversion in Medieval Ireland
(Language: English)
Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, University of Cambridge
Paper 705-bConverting Medieval Iceland: Early Christian Settlers, Missionaries, and Saints
(Language: English)
Maria Teresa Ramandi, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, University of Cambridge
Index terms: Hagiography, Religious Life
Paper 705-cTogail Troí: A Christian Author and His Paganism
(Language: English)
Razvan Stanciu, Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, University of Cambridge
Index terms: Language and Literature - Celtic, Language and Literature - Latin, Learning (The Classical Inheritance)
Abstract

This session will consider the understanding of pagans and the conversion process in later literary texts. Máire Ní Mhaonaigh will speak on depictions of the conversion in medieval Ireland. Razvan Stanciu will show how the author of the Middle Irish Togail Troí adapted the presentation of Classical paganism in his source to reflect his own views. Maria Teresa Ramandi will consider the unique nature of the conversion of Iceland, including the political character of the conversion, the absence of martyrs and the scantiness of local saints in contrast with the growing of imported saints' cults.