Poisoned places: the Avernian tradition in Old English poetry
Daniel Anlezark
Abstract Scholars have long disputed whether or not Beowulf reflects the influence of Classical Latin literature. This essay examines motif ‘poisoned place’ present in a range texts known to Anglo-Saxons, most famously represented by Avernus Aeneid . While Grendel's mere presents best-known poisonous locale Old English poetry, another is found dense and enigmatic poem Solomon Saturn II The relationship between these poems discussed beside consideration possibility that their use ‘Avernian tradition’ points epic on Anglo-Saxon authors.
Anglo-Saxon England