Towards a Typology of Absence in Old Norse Literature. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cole, Richard
• Is Part Of: Exemplaria. Volume 28:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: absence -- Old Norse -- Kormáks saga -- Eyrbyggja saga -- Snorra Edda -- mythology -- Gilles Deleuze; European literature -- Renaissance, 1450-1600 -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Literature, Medieval -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Middle Ages -- Periodicals; 809.0205
• DOI: 10.1080/10412573.2016.1151201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-2573

Abstract

Abstract : This essay accepts Patrick Fuery's challenge to "get directly engaged in issues of typology" when considering absence. The powers of lost lovers, slain gods, and howling voids in Old Norse literature are anatomized according to the many phenomena denoted by the word "absence." Demonstrating several species and differing degrees of absence, the essay also shows how each is created by a particular mechanism, and each tends towards specific emotional consequences. Each species of typology is illustrated with examples taken from Old Norse literature; yet its various types may well be applied beyond such contexts.