The Edgar poems and the poetics of failure in the <i>Anglo-Saxon Chronicle</i>
Scott Thompson Smith
Abstract The two poems dedicated to King Edgar in Anglo-Saxon Chronicle manuscripts ABC can be dated with some precision. This essay consequently reads the as contemporary products of very different historical moments during Benedictine reform. Written from a distinctly monastic perspective, poem for 973 was one many ideological texts and events late Edgar's reign committed affirming king's divinely-sanctioned sovereignty. realigns function verse , adopting dynastic praise poetry more ecclesiastical concerns. 975, however, breaks precedent panegyric instead offers critical complaint against attacks on landholdings wake death. best appreciated historically-situated productions.
Anglo-Saxon England