Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Kevin Robb. "Oral Bards at Mycenae: A Speculation." Coranto, 9, ii:8-16.

Argues from the cumulative evidence of eight generally accepted propositions on the relationship between Homer and oral tradition that "given the fact that less than four centuries after the collapse of Mycenae the Greeks re-emerge into historical daylight in possession of a complex and fully developed oral epic tradition, it is highly probable, though not subject to conclusive proof, that this epic tradition is of Mycenaean origin" (12). Mentions Parry's textual studies, the nature of "history" in oral tradition, and the transition to writing and its implications.
Area: AG