Includes bibliographical references (pages 199-213) and index
Summary:
This book examines the depiction of the non-human world in the Exeter Book Riddle Collection, investigating humanity's action with, and attitudes towards, the rest of creation using the fields of eco-criticism and eco-theology. While much scholarly attention has been given to what the riddles have to say abuot human society and culture, about heroism, service, sex and war, little has been said about the natural world. The author argues that there is a programme of resistance to anthropocentrism at work in the riddles, whereby the riddles challenge human-centred ways of depicting and interpreting the created world: depictions of the marginalised perspectives of sentient and non-sentient beings such as trees and animals are not just a characteristic of the riddle genre, but are actively used to explore the point of view of the natural world and the impact humanity has on its non-human inhabitants. She also draws on eco-theology to deepen our understanding of the depiction of the natural world in the riddles, via the main themes of place, labour, creation, transformation, accountability, mastery and wisdom.
Series:
Nature and environment in the Middle Ages, 2399-3804
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.