Search

Religious texts played a central role in Early English, and this innovative book looks in particular at how medieval Christians used prayers and psalms in healing the sick. At first glance, the variety and multiplicity of utterances, prayers, exorcistic formulas, and other incantations found in a single charm may seem to be random and eclectic. However, this book shows that charms had distinct, logical linguistic characteristics, as well performative aspects that were shaped by their usage and cultural significance. Together, these qualities gave the texts a unique role in the early development of English, in particular its use in ritual and folklore. Arnovick identifies four forms of incantations and a full chapter is devoted to each form, arranged to reflect the lived experiences of medieval Christians, from their baptism in infancy, to daily prayer and attendance at Church celebrations, and to their Confession and anointing during grave illness.

Summary

The Introduction begins by quoting a lengthy charm from Lacnunga and asks if there is rhyme and reason for its many formulas. It answers that question by establishing that comprehensive verbal strategies operate in early English charms. These take the form of unified sets of incantations that comprise the four verbal medicines identified in the book. Two involve the invocation of liturgy, a notion introduced here. The preface places folk tradition within the context of popular Christianity and considers charms as practical remedies for disease. Charm efficacy may be attributed to word-power, the skill of healers, prayer, and supplication. After examining Anglo-Saxon theories of disease the preface surveys what we know about medical practitioners at the time. It defines terminology, presents the corpus of charms, and summarizes methodology. Finally, it describes the performance-based analytical framework that will be used for the study of charms’ oral performance.

Search Results

Refine search

Refine search

Actions for selected content:

2 results

Verbal Medicines

Introduction

Summary

Search Results

Refine search

Refine search

Actions for selected content:

Save Search

2 results

Verbal Medicines

Introduction

Summary