Popular Religion in Late Saxon England

Elf Charms in Context

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Church, Church History, History, Medieval
Cover of the book Popular Religion in Late Saxon England by Karen Louise Jolly, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Karen Louise Jolly ISBN: 9781469611143
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: June 15, 2015
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Karen Louise Jolly
ISBN: 9781469611143
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: June 15, 2015
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

In tenth- and eleventh-century England, Anglo-Saxon Christians retained an old folk belief in elves as extremely dangerous creatures capable of harming unwary humans. To ward off the afflictions caused by these invisible beings, Christian priests modified traditional elf charms by adding liturgical chants to herbal remedies. In Popular Religion in Late Saxon England, Karen Jolly traces this cultural intermingling of Christian liturgy and indigenous Germanic customs and argues that elf charms and similar practices represent the successful Christianization of native folklore. Jolly describes a dual process of conversion in which Anglo-Saxon culture became Christianized but at the same time left its own distinct imprint on Christianity. Illuminating the creative aspects of this dynamic relationship, she identifies liturgical folk medicine as a middle ground between popular and elite, pagan and Christian, magic and miracle. Her analysis, drawing on the model of popular religion to redefine folklore and magic, reveals the richness and diversity of late Saxon Christianity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In tenth- and eleventh-century England, Anglo-Saxon Christians retained an old folk belief in elves as extremely dangerous creatures capable of harming unwary humans. To ward off the afflictions caused by these invisible beings, Christian priests modified traditional elf charms by adding liturgical chants to herbal remedies. In Popular Religion in Late Saxon England, Karen Jolly traces this cultural intermingling of Christian liturgy and indigenous Germanic customs and argues that elf charms and similar practices represent the successful Christianization of native folklore. Jolly describes a dual process of conversion in which Anglo-Saxon culture became Christianized but at the same time left its own distinct imprint on Christianity. Illuminating the creative aspects of this dynamic relationship, she identifies liturgical folk medicine as a middle ground between popular and elite, pagan and Christian, magic and miracle. Her analysis, drawing on the model of popular religion to redefine folklore and magic, reveals the richness and diversity of late Saxon Christianity.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book America's Founding Food by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book From Cotton Field to Schoolhouse by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Black Votes Count by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Oral History by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Southern Cultures Volume 15 Omnibus E-book by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Andersonville by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg! by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Yellow Dogs, Hushpuppies, and Bluetick Hounds by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Coca-Colonization and the Cold War by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Down and Out in the Great Depression by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book The Civil War as a Theological Crisis by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Empirical Futures by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book James Madison by Karen Louise Jolly
Cover of the book Prophets of Rebellion by Karen Louise Jolly
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy