Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Alain Renoir. "Oral-Formulaic Context: Implications for the Comparative Criticism of Mediaeval Texts." In Oral Traditional Literature: A Festschrift for Albert Bates Lord. Ed. John Miles Foley. Columbus: Slavica Publishers. Rpt. 1983. pp. 416-39.

Applies oral-formulaic theory to Beowulf, the Odyssey, and the Hildebrandslied to develop a comparative context which is not dependent on demonstrable historical context. Encourages the evolution of oral-formulaic methodology from textual analysis to aesthetic criticism. One of the true landmarks in the history of oral theory in OE and comparative literature.
Area: OE, AG, OHG, CP