This thesis examens the representations of Earl Godwine, earl of Wessex during the mid-eleventh century. The representations of the earl differ accordingly to the political agendas of their patrons...Show moreThis thesis examens the representations of Earl Godwine, earl of Wessex during the mid-eleventh century. The representations of the earl differ accordingly to the political agendas of their patrons. Emma of Normandy issued the Encomium Emmae Reginae which featured the earl in a negative light. Similarly, Earl Leofric thwarted the rising star of Earl Godwine via representation of him in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. In a countermovement, those who favored Godwine formed a more positive or neutral depiction of the earl alleged wrongdoings. All in all, the differences between the representations were motivated by political interests and therefore differ from one another.Show less
Since Tolkien was a noted philologist, his writing was inspired greatly by Old English poetry such as Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. Taking into account Tolkien's comments on the portrayal of...Show moreSince Tolkien was a noted philologist, his writing was inspired greatly by Old English poetry such as Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon. Taking into account Tolkien's comments on the portrayal of heroism in these poems, this thesis presents a comparison between several heroes from Tolkien’s own fiction – Aragorn, Beren and Fëanor – and the Germanic heroic ethos.Show less
