The Metre of Old Saxon Poetry

A comprehensive study of Old Saxon metre, based on close analysis of the Heliand. This is a comprehensive study of Old Saxon metre, with a particular emphasis on the Heliand , an alliterative epic of the Gospel story and the most extensive work of Old Germanic poetry. Through a detailed description of themetre in its own terms and a systematic comparison with the Old English alliterative tradition, especially Beowulf , this book shows how the Heliand poet introduced a wealth of metrical innovati