The King's Family: Securing the Kingdom in Asser's Vita Alfredi
Alice Sheppard
Recent work on Asser's Vita Alfredi has pursued two separate but complementary directions. While one set of scholars returned to the question authenticity, asking whether is a genuine ninth-century text or forgery, other focused problem audience. (1) Because it written in Latin, stands out from Alfredian texts like Old English Bede and Orosius, histories that, together with Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, suggest importance vernacular historical writing at Alfred's court. Nonetheless, evidence overwhelmingly indicates that genuinely ninth century. (2) With regard audience, most agree life Alfred was probably not intended circulate court, many offer associates Wales as likely readers. (3) That these questions have dominated Asser scholarship points central difficulties reading Alfredi. combination annals Chronicle scenes an appealing story, ways which diverges Carolingian models history royal biography--models upon we know drew--have made difficult for appreciate cultural (4) I begin Chronicle. treatment annalist's lordship ideology crucial understanding what see significance his text. Blending theories ideal leadership, interprets, supplements, then authorizes discourse collective identity articulated In 871-891, king's defense realm creation unified kingdom are presented issue relations. Though wins defends battlefield, annalist exploits doubled language rituals peace-making king performance lordship. Thus foundation narrative realm, images so powerful nation origin seems matter. (5) Be they Dane Anglo-Saxon, noble men who unite themselves under become members calls Angelcynn. (6) By end annals, both defining ethos people expression their political identity. (7) retains particular formulation power, he accepts function performed by annals. translates into Latin form biography, borrowing explicitly well-known examples mirrors princes, uses proclaim Latinate Christian world articulation power. (8) careful translation supplementation legitimizes distinguishing reintegrating traditions kingship theory. performing linguistic text, shifts reader's focus court personal king. Danish invaders continue assault land, emphasis childhood, struggle literacy, domestic suggests first interests extend beyond fight military security second enough read To explain interpretation frequently compared Einhard's Life Charlemagne. But James Campbell pointed out, its biography also alongside lives Louis Pious Thegan Astronomer (anonymous); can even be Notker St. …
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