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Imagery of Light in Old English Poetry: Traditions and Appropriations

  • Hugh Magennis
Published/Copyright: February 3, 2009
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From the journal Volume 125 Issue 2

Abstract

After a brief survey of the place of the symbolism of light in the teachings and practices of the earlier church, this article goes on to examine the use of that Christian symbolism in Old English poetry, with particular reference to hagiographical verse, in which it is widely adopted and developed. The article then discusses a different tradition of light imagery in Old English poetry, secular in origin, in which light has a world-affirming significance. With close analysis of specific occurrences of light imagery, the article considers these contrasting usages, revealing a picture of richness, variety and inter-penetration in the use of the imagery.

Published Online: 2009-02-03
Published in Print: 2007-September

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