Work

From the Aeneid to Accent Theory: The Application of Classical Learning in the Medieval Icelandic Third Grammatical Treatise

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article has two aims. First, we describe a new analysis of the medieval manuscripts of the Third Grammatical Treatise, a thirteenth-century grammatical-rhetorical work by Óláfr Þórðarson focused on phonology and poetic devices, partly undertaken using new discoveries of close Latin models to evaluate Old Norse readings. Second, the article focuses on the challenges Óláfr faced in making use of his classical sources and the originality with which he resolved them; previous accounts have often downplayed his originality and inventiveness. We attempt to highlight aspects of Óláfr’s work that appear to result from independent contributions and we further undertake a close reading of Óláfr’s application of classical accent theory to Old Norse.

Source: International Journal of the Classical Tradition

DOI: 10.1007/s12138-025-00716-1

Authors: Sólveig Hilmarsdóttir, Haukur Þorgeirsson

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies

Language: English

Topic: Classical Studies and Philology

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

OpenAlex ID: W4413876967