Digital Database: Myths of Origin in Medieval Chronicles of Europe
The understanding of historical documentation as seeking to chronicle events "exactly as they happened" is a quite modern perspective, so this research aims to look at medieval texts from a perspective more understanding of the techniques used by medieval scholars when creating these chronicles by looking at the use of etymology as a framework to direct the historical narrative of medieval chronicles. I worked toward the project's overall goal of creating a concise database for researchers by creating a spreadsheet of relevant texts from the Encylopedia of Medieval Chronicles and inputting raw data into the database based on medieval chronicles I read and analyzed, including those in their original language. The database seeks to compile information on medieval chronicles and their authors, specifically their use of etymology, genealogy, and common sources to frame their historical narratives. By beginning the long-term project of creating a working database of medieval chronicles and their authors, this project has the opportunity to foster new interest in medieval studies and historiography and reveal patterns in the texts so that current researchers can learn more about the nature of medieval chronicle creation and etymology's role in history.
Comments
This is some really cool…
This is some really cool work, and so many languages! What would you say some of your favorite myths of origin/etymologies were?
Response to chedward@upenn.edu
One of the most interesting place-name etymologies to me was Thongchester (and its many revised names), as it was one of the most fleshed-out stories within the chronicles I read (and it appeared in multiple). The story is basically:
Vortigern would only grant Hengist whatever land he could fit within the area of a bull’s hide. Hengist created a large thong from the bull’s hide, encompassing a great section of land, naming it Kaer Carrai in the British language, however it later gained two other names due to new groups of people possessing the land.
Impressive!
Sounds like a very fun research project, and it shows in your joyful attitude! And I'm impressed that you were working with languages like old English! Can't wait to see what you do in the future.
Amazing!
This sounds like a very challenging research project, and very impressive! I can't even imagine working with all of these different languages and texts. Has this project furthered your interest in studying English in the College? I am interested to know if it affected what you would like to pursue!
Response to Carolina
I've become quite interested in the medieval period, so I'm hoping to minor in Global Medieval and Renaissance studies to further these studies, and I'm debating taking Latin so that I can better understand a wider range of texts from that period!
Response to Brandon
I loved your research as well, and I can't wait to see what art you produce!