Magical rings in Middle English romance: an interdisciplinary study in Medieval literature and material culture

This thesis argues that studying medieval literature is rarely undertaken with an interdisciplinary approach, and that this lack of contextual understanding has led to interpretations that do not take into account the importance of medieval belief and practice in literary manifestations. The focus of study to illustrate this point is the tradition of magical rings and stones in Middle English romance. This thesis argues that these objects cannot be thoroughly understood in their literary context without taking into account the complex and widespread beliefs and practices that accompany such objects in the historical record. Through understanding the way these objects were used in the medieval period, their roles in the romances take on a far deeper meaning with manifold interpretations.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

m_ph

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

m_ph

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Birmingham

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Scholey, Anna

• D111 Medieval History
• PR English literature