Indeed, Father. Something I find deeply moving about medieval culture is the way that devotion to a feudal lord blends so naturally into devotion to the divine Lord.
I would love to read your thoughts about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and also Pearl. I recently read Marie Borroff’s translation. With infinite time, I would love to read the original of Pearl, but I don’t see it happening.
Both Sir Gawain and Pearl are masterpieces and among English literature's best narrative poems (for Sir Gawain) and elegiac poems (for Pearl). I'm sure they will appear in future Via Mediaevalis posts. The Middle English of the Sir Gawain/Pearl poet would be very difficult for most readers, so translations are definitely preferred here. I haven't read Borroff's translations; what did you think of them?
I liked them. The book I read also had Patience. I thought she did a good job with the bob and wheel on Pearl, which is pretty hard. But it is the only translation I have read. I will add it was suggested by Anthony Esolen. I have read other versions of Sir Gawain. I’m not sure which is my favorite. I might sit down to compare her version to the Simon Armitage one, which I recall particularly liking at the time. But it’s been over 10 years, I think. Too many good things to read!
Studying Charlemagne with my 7th and 8th graders to be backed up with the Song of Roland epic poem and 2 versions of the music for it. An original and a modern TFP version. I will highlight your remarks about chivalry with them! Deo gratias!
Thanks for commenting, Toni. One of my objectives with the Via Mediaevalis newsletter is to provide "enrichment" resources for teachers and homeschooling families. I hope that this essay proves helpful for you!
“For his lord a vassal must suffer great hardship
And endure both great heat and great cold;
He must also part with flesh and blood.”
Capitalize “Lord” and this perfectly sums up the demands of following Christ our Lord.
Indeed, Father. Something I find deeply moving about medieval culture is the way that devotion to a feudal lord blends so naturally into devotion to the divine Lord.
I am captivated by your writing. Love the explanation of the imagination.
I would love to read your thoughts about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and also Pearl. I recently read Marie Borroff’s translation. With infinite time, I would love to read the original of Pearl, but I don’t see it happening.
Both Sir Gawain and Pearl are masterpieces and among English literature's best narrative poems (for Sir Gawain) and elegiac poems (for Pearl). I'm sure they will appear in future Via Mediaevalis posts. The Middle English of the Sir Gawain/Pearl poet would be very difficult for most readers, so translations are definitely preferred here. I haven't read Borroff's translations; what did you think of them?
I liked them. The book I read also had Patience. I thought she did a good job with the bob and wheel on Pearl, which is pretty hard. But it is the only translation I have read. I will add it was suggested by Anthony Esolen. I have read other versions of Sir Gawain. I’m not sure which is my favorite. I might sit down to compare her version to the Simon Armitage one, which I recall particularly liking at the time. But it’s been over 10 years, I think. Too many good things to read!
Thank, Bob!!
Studying Charlemagne with my 7th and 8th graders to be backed up with the Song of Roland epic poem and 2 versions of the music for it. An original and a modern TFP version. I will highlight your remarks about chivalry with them! Deo gratias!
Thanks for commenting, Toni. One of my objectives with the Via Mediaevalis newsletter is to provide "enrichment" resources for teachers and homeschooling families. I hope that this essay proves helpful for you!