Disciplines
Other Humanities (10%); History, Archaeology (20%); Linguistics and Literature (70%)
Keywords
Historical Narratology,
Alexander Romance,
Alexander the Great in the Middle Ages,
Medieval Latin,
Retelling
Abstract
The stories of Alexander the Great can be found in many cultures and languages,
from antiquity to the present day. Beyond his historical life, we can find him as the
protagonist in a multifaceted romance tradition, where he is depicted with a sorcerer
as a father, taking to the skies with the help of griffins, exploring the depths of the
sea, and reaching the gates of paradise. In the Middle Ages, this complex narrative
history is reflected not only in different stories but also in the storytelling practice of
hundreds of unique manuscripts.
Retexte en Page will investigate the accounts of Alexander the Great in these
medieval codices: how are the stories retold on the page? The goal is to combine
methods of Material Philology and Historical Narratology and apply them to the
complex field of medieval Latin Alexander texts. This includes examining the
compilation and arrangement of Alexander and non-Alexander texts in multiple-text
manuscripts, and the ways in which the texts are presented, adapted, furnished with
paratexts, or altogether rewritten. Detailed case studies will examine specific
manuscripts to reveal patterns and correlations among the Alexander tradition and
beyond. Moreover, we will collect data on the co-transmission and use network
analysis to identify recurring patterns, diachronic changes, and historical genre
concepts. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of Alexander in the High
Middle Ages. It will allow for a new perspective outside of traditional boxes like text,
authorship, and genre, and will therefore be a significant step towards a Material
Narratology.
This research is led by PI Katja Weidner at the University of Vienna, supported by a
postdoctoral researcher and a team of PhD and MA students, alongside international
and interdisciplinary partners.