From ancient folktales and myths, The Kalevala in Finland, and The Nibelungenlied in Germany were compiled and written down to form national epics with profound cultural power in each country. Explore the origins, stories, characters, meanings, values, and significance of these epics as well as looking at some of the adaptations that have been created, from Wagner to Tolkien, over the centuries.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Keith Bosley. The Kalevala: An Epic Poem after Oral Tradition by Elias Lönnrot. (Oxford World's Classics: 2008)
• Cyril Edwards. The Nibelungenlied: The Lay of the Nibelungs. (Oxford University Press: 2010)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Origins, Translations
• Influence on later stories, and art
• Plot, Themes, Values
• Characters: human and supernatural
• National and international significance

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Outline the creation of both epics
2. Evaluate the various translations and cultural interpretations
3. Discuss the narrative in relation to characters, themes, values, and literary quality