Paper Summary:

This paper examines the Old English poem "The Battle of Maldon". It discusses the viewpoint that he poet intended the poem as a work of literature, because it constantly subsumes the need for historical accuracy which prevalent in the poet's use of language and in his toying with topology. It shows how "The Battle of Maldon" is undoubtedly literary, not historical, because it subsumes so completely any semblance of historical objectivity. It also analyzes how the inclusion of the topologically erroneous "west" is proof that the Maldon poet was interested in the development of a poetic structure, more than he was interested in adhering to historical truth.

From the Paper:

"The progression between the w, w-l, and l patterns is indicative of English courageous resignation succumbing to the relentless, ominous advance of the invaders (characterized by the l sound). The Maldon poet is intent on preserving the alliterative qualities of the w sound pattern: this explains why the Vikings went "west", not north south or east. As Bessinger succinctly puts it, the passage advances in "formulas tuned to the key of w" . The poet is intent on extenuating his formula fastidiously, and will gladly shun minor historical inaccuracies in doing so. The point of this is that "literariness" overrides historicity. This is the first way in which Maldon in a work of literature, and not a work of history."

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