Taking a step back for a moment, we return to the Viking pirates, the fearless thieves of the icy north who surprised much of Western Europe when their long-boats suddenly appeared out of the fog of Dark Ages, sacking coastal towns, raiding churches, slaughtering and conquering thousands. At the time, the early Christian kingdoms of … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part IV
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Anglo-Saxon England, Part III
After the death of Alfred The Great, his bloodline would produce a series of warrior kings that would conquer the Danes and dominate the British isle. The dream of a unified Aengla Land would fall to his son Edward "The Elder." Edward continued his father's uncompromising resistance to the Danes, and he gained ground against … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part III
Alfred the Great (871-899)
"I desired to live worthily as long as I lived, and to leave after my life, to the men who should come after me, the memory of me in good works"-Author's note in Alfred's translation of Boethius's On The Consolation of Philosophy Alfred (or "Aelfred) is the only king of England ever to be given … Continue reading Alfred the Great (871-899)
An Appeal to Common Wisdom in the Final Tale: The Parson’s Tale
The "Parson's Tale" is the final story of The Canterbury Tales. In the "General Prologue," the Parson is described as a 'good man of religion.' He is erudite, scholarly, devout, and forgiving. The Parson believes that in order to be a good priest he must be perfect, because sheep follow their shepherd, but only if … Continue reading An Appeal to Common Wisdom in the Final Tale: The Parson’s Tale
Notes on the “Classic of Poetry”
"The Classic of Poetry" Handwritten and illustrated by the Qianlong Emperor, Qing Dynasty (17th to 20th centuries) Also translated as the "Book of Odes" or even the "Book of Songs," the so-called "Classic of Poetry" (or Shi Jing) contains 305 poems, hymns, and songs that address a wide range of daily issues in ancient China. … Continue reading Notes on the “Classic of Poetry”
On The Wisdom of Silence in The Manciple’s Tale
After the close of the "Canon's Yeoman's Tale" the Host merrily asks the embarrassingly drunken Cook to tell a tale (his earlier tale was left unfinished). However, the Cook can barely sit upon his horse, much less tell a tale. We find his character laughable because of his immoderate alcohol consumption and his physical ridiculousness … Continue reading On The Wisdom of Silence in The Manciple’s Tale
