 |
 |
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Dear Lars, Thank you for a most informative response. I am reading the work of an early forklorist at present, E. Saillens, Nos Vierges noires (Paris, 1945), although I dare say that folklore studies have probably advanced considerably since that time. This phenomenon certainly seems to fall into the realm of folklore, and I wonder if you might be able to direct me to some good basic literature on folklore methodology. In particular, I'd like to know more about the "secondary etiological legends" you mentioned. Saillens mentions many of the similarities that you referred to between antique beliefs and those of the Middle Ages, and he also brings up "Celtic" practice, as well. But he then tries to explain these similarities by positing, quite straightforwardly, the survival of pre-Christian beliefs into the Middle Ages (or with your examples, into almost the present), which I can't help thinking needs a bit of nuancing, as a theory, to be very helpful. Particularly with the 20th-century example you cited, it seems highly problematic to speak of "pre-Christian" beliefs. Rather, there seems to be a body of beliefs that is capable of survival by clinging, so to speak, onto more explicitly rooted, but less enduring ideologies, sort of like mistletoe. Cheers, Jim Bugslag ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html