Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Week 1/2 questions
1. I think some of the residual features of primary orality in Voluspa include the names of Norse Gods who helped create the things in the world, the use of nature to help the reader understand how things evolved, e.g trees, sun, moon, stars, birds. I also think the use of strong language helps create a powerful meaning - "Bur's sons lifted up the land" Also expressive language "dew falls from its boughs down to the valleys".The use of good and evil, and biblical images "people dwell/ to the end of time and enjoy their happiness".
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Hey Tim,
ReplyDeleteGood point about the Norse Gods, I would also like to add that in Voluspa, it is as though she goes into a trance (as Paul mentioned in class) and adresses the Gods. This is a residual feature of primary orality as many 'teachings' and myths were made into stories to help peoples' understanding and retention and also primary orality cultures had very strong connections to their religion and God/Gods, so for Voluspa to orally adress them in her song is clearly passed down from the earlier oral cultures of that land.