Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Robert L. Kellogg. "Varieties of Tradition in Medieval Narrative." In Medieval Narrative: A Symposium (Proceedings of the Third International Symposium Organized by the Center for the Study of Vernacular Literature, Held at Odense University on 21-22 November, 1978). Ed. Hans Bekker-Nielsen et al. Odense: Odense University Press. pp. 120-29.

Distinguishes among traditional art, which is communal and conservative; high art, which is personal and innovative; and popular art, which mediates between the other two. Discusses rhythmic and formulaic aspects of traditional art, looking at AG epic, the Kalevala, the Mwindo Epic, and many early medieval works and finding a number of traditional narratives but no oral performances.
Area: AG, OE, OSX, FN, AF, CP