Verbal Medicines - The Curative Power of Prayer and Invocation in Early English Charms

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.

Product details

• Authors: Leslie K. Arnovick, Leslie K. (University of British Columbi Arnovick, Arnovick Leslie K.
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.06.2024
• EAN: 9781009423144
• ISBN: 978-1-0-0942314-4
• No. of pages: 318
• Series: Studies in English Language
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; European History, Latin, RELIGION / History, History of Religion, Medieval History, Language: history & general works, Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500, Historical & comparative linguistics, c 500 to c 1000 CE, European history: medieval period, middle ages, HISTORY / Europe / Medieval, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE, Language: history and general works, Anglo-Saxon / Old English, Historical and comparative linguistics, Anglo-Saxon