King Æthelstan in the English, Continental and Scandinavian traditions of the tenth to the thirteenth centuries
Angela Marion Smith
Using close textual analysis, this thesis has identified similarities and differences in the ways which Anglo-Saxon king, AEthelstan, is depicted narrative sources from England, Continent Scandinavia during tenth to thirteenth centuries; how historical, cultural, literary contexts influenced their writers patrons analysis might contribute further historical understandings of AEthelstan his reign.
Central my are concepts as visual narratives, deriving contemporary meaning intertextuality with other fulfilling a function recording creating social memories for own time future.
The does not argue veracity any one version over another but individual ‗voices‘ be heard understood part national backgrounds. Based on texts I have questioned some generally held interpretations, suggested alternative interpretations areas research.
The demonstrates that there also significant way both between within English, Continental Scandinavian traditions. It identifies number narratives provide basis research AEthelstan: Carolingian ambitions, role foster-father Hakon Norway, possibility he had second coronation confirm claim King all Britain depictions him king-maker friend ally Vikings.