Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Joanne De Lavan. "Feasts and Anti-Feasts in Beowulf and the Odyssey." In Oral Traditional Literature: A Festschrift for Albert Bates Lord. Ed. John Miles Foley. Columbus: Slavica Publishers. Rpt. 1983. pp. 235-61.

Examines the role of the feasting theme in the OE and AG poems, stressing its traditional character and resonance in each work. Describes the relationship between formula and mythic patterns in Beowulf and considers the disruption of ritual and pattern in the Odyssey.
Area: OE, AG, CP