Digenis - Epic and Popular Style in the Escorial Version

In English. Soft cover, 24 cm, 152 pp. ISBN: 960-7309-23-5.

Professor Fenik studies the organisation of speeches, scenes, and descriptions in the Byzantine epic, Digenis Akritis, as preserved in the Escorial ms., in comparison with other epic works (Chanson de Roland, Nibelungenlied, the Homeric epics), and concludes that the composition of Digenis is methodically organised on the basis of certain patterns (repetitions, variations and theme developments) which are also typical of other epics. These compositional modes are rooted in the traditional, oral, heroic poetry, to which the author of Digenis probably also belonged, even though he seems to have composed this poem with the help of writing (in the 12th century). In the second part of the book, the verse, the distich, and other line groups encountered in Digenis, are studied, as well as the relationship of their structure with the later Greek folksong. The Escorial text is considered more authentic than the other known versions, its literary interest is stressed, and its position in the context of Greek - and European- literature is clarified.

CONTENTS:

PART I: SCENE-DRAWING: Repeated sequences: Speeches. Narrative. Orderly descriptions: Speeches. Catalogues and arming-scenes. Combat sequences. The emir's journey to Syria. Conclusion.

PART II: VERSE-TECHNIQUE: Single lines. Couplets. Three-and four- line groups. Extended groups. Word-play. E and modern demotic verse. Couplets. Summary and prospectus.

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