A Batalha de Maldon

uma pequena Ilíada dos anglo-saxões

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the poem written in Old English, The Battle of Maldon (c. 1000), focusing on the historiographical and poetic aspects of the text, first addressing the Anglo-Saxon literary tradition so that we can then delve into the context of the confrontation depicted in the work and the selection made by the anonymous poet, in order to understand the causes and the outcome of recording a historical event through verses. To this end, we briefly analyze Anglo-Saxon metrics, as demonstrated by Tolkien (2006b) applied to the verse at hand, so that it is then possible to dissect the lexical constructions and
figures of speech used, especially their kennings. Thus, the studies of, Ashe (2022), Atherton (2020), and as well as Irving Jr. (1961) are utilized for specific topics of the literary context, along with excerpts from other texts from the Anglo-Saxon period. The studies by Candido (2014) and Lukács (2009) also guide this study to weave a more general theory about the narrative techniques employed. In this way, it is considered that the poem is a work that, besides marking a historical event, seeks to express political criticism while aiming to sensitize the reader. Linguistic studies indicate a local composition and the use of a more common language of its region, whereas literary analysis points out that the poem draws on a likely proverb that predates the text itself and, ultimately, martyrizes the figure of its protagonist, Byrhnoth, who, even while criticizing him, celebrates his bravery and condemns the deserting soldiers.