Sovereignty Shattered
Ralph O’Connor
At the heart of saga is an extended description Conaire himself, as both strong ruler and vulnerable youth. This depiction artistic tour de force, crystallizing saga's dramatization tensions inherent within kingship itself. Using Conaire's tableau a focal point, this chapter examines how symbolism sovereignty develops ‘visually’ by means verbal thematic echoes proceeds, from opening Étaín through to final image warrior Conall Cernach's shattered shield‐arm. The movement linear narrative poetic enables broadening symbolic scope more conducive paradox ambiguity. cumulative process gives special depth significance epilogue, which describes battle its aftermath in return simple first half. epilogue ties together proliferating strands imagery sovereignty‐symbolism woven saga.
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