Homo heroicus in Old English Literature: Linguistic and Axiological Approach

Abstract

The article presents an insight into specific features of heroic images of Old English literature as a literary projection of the phenomenon of heroism that can be described as a key cultural feature of VI – XI AD. The peculiarities of the image representation are dependent on their genre nature. The article uses a linguistic & cultural approach to characterize the heroic personality. At the stylistic level the plot functions and linguostylistic markers of the heroic personality are studied, at the communicative level – patterns of behavior, at the conceptual level – key axiological concepts associated with these images. The images of warrior and hero are rooted in archaic mythopoetic culture, that is reflected in their names. Differences in axiological content of these images result from a bigger genre scope of the warrior image that leads to a certain degree of penetrating into the inner world. The most recurrent feeling of the Old English heroic personality is a feeling of grief. A heroic king is interpreted as a wise elderly ruler, his image is closely tied to Christian world picture.