Say what I am : Aldhelmian riddle as the language of transformation

Abstract

"The role of riddles in the development of literary forms cannot be underestimated, although nowadays their generic identity is mostly limited to the sphere of childish word games. Riddles, having evolved from oral origins and giving rise to various literary forms, are inextricably connected with the notion of metamorphosis to the extent possibly even greater than any other literary genre. A riddle acquires its intrinsic character verbally veiling the object it shrewdly attempts to describe. In order to do so, it resorts to the change within the frame of reference conventionally applied to the object in question. However, not only are the riddles created by transforming the referential system for their actual objects but it is also the very formula of the riddlic element in them which often undergoes transformation. The intention of my essay is to illustrate the possibility of such processes by discussing a particular collection of eighth-century Anglo-Latin riddles composed by Aldhelm bishop of Sherboume." (fragm.)