Activities per year
Abstract
This article introduces the model of the semiosphere developed by Yuri Lotman for cultural studies to the study of Icelandic sagas. The semiosphere helps analyzing value systems in such narrative texts. The semiosphere focuses on dynamic processes and thus better fits to describing narrative texts - that by definition contain a dynamic sequence of events - than static structuralist models do. The analysis of Illuga saga Gridarfostra with help of the semiosphere-model shows that the value system of the saga criticizes rigid aristocratic societal structures in favor for a more liberal system, in which the able individual can rise to higher ranks. Furthermore, the saga addresses female sexual morality: women are supposed to be monogamous, and not enjoy sexual intercourse. Illuga saga thus aligns with most value systems found in the Fornaldars.gur. However, in contrary to the female passiveness demanded by most Fornaldars.gur, Illuga saga welcomes female agency and even aggressiveness.
| Original language | German |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of Scandinavian Studies |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 205-214 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISSN | 2191-9399 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2016 |
Activities
- 2 Lecture and oral contribution
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Recent developments in the study of Late Medieval Icelandic Romances, or: Why PhD students are so important for the advancement of scholarship
Werner Schäfke (Other)
23 Mar 2017Activity: Talk or presentation types › Lecture and oral contribution
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Troll women as cultural catalysts in Illuga saga Gríðarfóstra
Werner Schäfke (Speaker)
11 Jun 2014Activity: Talk or presentation types › Lecture and oral contribution