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CNN
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Corrected error in long-lost medieval saga suggests that its hero fought wolves, not elves
Lesser known than some other beloved tales of larger-than-life heroes such as Gilgamesh, Beowulf and King Arthur, the Song of Wade is a case study in what happens when stories aren't written down. The epic was once widely known throughout medieval and Renaissance England — so popular that it was mentioned twice by Chaucer — but today it is mostly forgotten. Only a few phrases survive, and new research is showing how, when so little of a story is preserved, changes in a word or two can alter the entire tale. The Song of Wade originated in the 12th century, and its hero battled monsters — or so scholars once thought. The only known text was found nearly 130 years ago in a 13th- century Latin sermon, which quoted a bit of the saga in Middle English. In the excerpt, the word 'ylues' was originally translated as 'elves,' suggesting that Wade's long-lost saga was teeming with supernatural creatures. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have challenged that interpretation. They proposed that the word's meaning was mangled by a scribe's transcription error, which changed a 'w' to a 'y.' 'Elves' is actually 'wolves,' and the term was allegorical, referring to dangerous men, according to the analysis. Another word in the excerpt, translated as 'sprites,' should instead be 'sea snakes,' moving the story even farther away from the realm of the supernatural, the researchers reported July 15 in The Review of English Studies. This new reading revises not only the phrases quoted in the sermon, but also the entire Song of Wade, centering the hero amid worldly dangers rather than mythical beasts. It overturns the picture of Wade as a literary twin to Beowulf, legendary slayer of the warrior-eating monster Grendel, said study coauthor Dr. Seb Falk, a researcher of science history and a fellow at Cambridge's Girton College. 'He was more like a hero of chivalric romance (a literary genre celebrating knights, codes of honor and romantic love) like Sir Launcelot or Sir Gawain,' Falk told CNN in an email. For hundreds of years, historians and literary experts have argued over why Chaucer would have mentioned the Song of Wade in his chivalric works. Recasting Wade as a courtly hero rather than a monster slayer makes Wade's appearance in Chaucer's writing a better fit and could help to uncover previously hidden meanings in those literary references, the authors wrote. The new study is the first to analyze the Song of Wade excerpt alongside the entirety of the Latin sermon that quotes it, said study coauthor Dr. James Wade, an associate professor of English Literature at Girton College. (The surname 'Wade' was relatively common in medieval England, and while Wade the researcher could not confirm a family connection to the storied hero, a link 'isn't impossible,' he told CNN in an email.) In fact, it was the context of the sermon that led the researchers to the discovery that the fragment in English had been misinterpreted, Wade said. The sermon was about humility, and it warned that some people 'are wolves, such as powerful tyrants' who take 'by any means.' There are other allusions to unfavorable animal traits in humans. As originally translated, the Song of Wade excerpt read: 'Some are elves and some are adders; some are sprites that dwell by waters: there is no man, but Hildebrand (Wade's father) only.' For centuries, scholars have struggled to make sense of why references to 'elves' and 'sprites' were included in a sermon about humility. According to the new translation, the excerpt reads: 'Some are wolves and some are adders; some are sea-snakes that dwell by the water. There is no man at all but Hildebrand.' Reinterpreted this way, the quoted phrases align more closely with the overall message of the sermon and redefine the genre of the story. 'We realised that taking the fragment together with its context would allow us not only to completely reinterpret the Wade legend, but also to reshape our understanding of how stories were told and retold in different cultural contexts, including religious contexts,' Wade said. The long-standing difficulties in interpreting the excerpt are a reminder that paleography — the study of handwritten documents — 'is not always an exact or precise science,' said Dr. Stephanie Trigg, Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor of English Literature at the University of Melbourne in Australia, 'especially in the transmission of English and other vernacular texts without the standardised spelling and abbreviations of Latin.' Focusing on the sermon is also important because this type of allusion to a popular epic was highly unusual, Trigg, who was not involved in the research, told CNN in an email. 'The authors are right to draw attention to the way the sermon seems to be quoting medieval popular culture: this is not all that common,' Trigg said. 'It helps disturb some traditional views about medieval piety.' When the preacher used the Song of Wade in his sermon, it was clear that he expected his audience to accept the reference 'as a recognisable element of popular culture: a meme,' Falk said. 'By studying this sermon in depth we get a wonderful insight into the resonances that such popular literature had across culture.' This new perspective on Wade's saga doesn't mean that it was based exclusively in realism. While there are no other known excerpts of the Song of Wade, references to Wade in texts spanning centuries offer details fantastic enough to delight fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic 'Lord of the Rings.' 'In one romance text, it's said that (Wade) slays a dragon,' Falk said. 'There is local folklore in Yorkshire, recorded by John Leland in the 1530s, that he was of gigantic stature.' Other texts stated that Wade's father was a giant and that his mother was a mermaid, he added. In fact, chivalric romance from this period frequently incorporated elements of fantasy, Trigg said. In the chivalric literary tradition, 'romances often draw on mythological creatures and the supernatural,' and the distinction between chivalric romances and mythology 'is not always rigorously made in medieval literature,' she added. Still, aligning the Song of Wade more closely with medieval romances clears up long-standing confusion over allusions to Wade by Geoffrey Chaucer, during scenes of courtly intrigue in 'Merchant's Tale' and 'Troilus and Criseyde.' Discover your world Go beyond the headlines and explore the latest scientific achievements and fascinating discoveries. Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. 'Chaucer referring to a Beowulf-like 'dark-age' warrior in these moments is weird and confusing,' Falk said. 'The idea that Chaucer is referring to a hero of medieval romance makes a lot more sense.' While the Song of Wade has faded into obscurity, its appearance in the medieval sermon and in Chaucer's work hints that for centuries the legend was a staple of popular culture in medieval England, even though there was no definitive text preserving the entire tale. As its popularity waned, much of it vanished for good. 'By the eighteenth century there were no known surviving texts and nobody seemed to know the story,' Wade said. 'Part of the enduring allure is the idea of something that was once part of common knowledge suddenly becoming 'lost.''
Geek Vibes Nation
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
Universal Announces 4K UHD Blu-Ray Release Date For Live-Action Reimagining Of 'How To Train Your Dragon'
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has announced that they will be releasing the breathtaking re-imagined live-action epic How to Train Your Dragon on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray, and DVD on August 12, 2025. The film is currently available on Digital platforms. The film comes from director Dean DeBlois, and it stars an all-star cast including Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz with Nick Frost and Gerard Butler. The 4K UHD Blu-Ray release will feature Dolby Atmos audio and more than 75-minutes of bonus content including deleted scenes, a gag reel and making of vignettes that dive deeper into the cutting-edge visual effects, elaborate character transformations, and iconic story that bring the Isle of Berk, the dragons and Vikings to life with jaw-dropping realism. Get more details below! Synopsis: On the Isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won't stop Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless. With an ancient evil threatening their worlds, it's up to Hiccup, Toothless, and their courageous companion Astrid (Nico Parker) to make the realm realize they're stronger together, and only through friendship and bravery can they overcome the challenges of a high-flying adventure. BONUS FEATURES ON DIGITAL, 4K UHD, BLU-RAY AND DVD: Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois Gag Reel Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium. – Go behind the scenes to see how the beloved characters and intricate fantasy world were brought to the live-action medium. Building Berk – Walk onto the set of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk. – Walk onto the set of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON and take in the scale, detail, and heart that went into building Berk. Dreaming Up the Dragons – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen. – A glimpse at the technology, artistry, and imagination involved in bringing life-like dragons to the screen. Fit for a Viking – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film. – Witness the elaborate transformations the cast made to embody the Vikings we see in the film. Forbidden Friendship with Introductions by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film's most iconic scenes. – Watch Mason Thames perform the full Forbidden Friendship sequence with a puppeteer in the early stages of creating one of the film's most iconic scenes. Test Drive with Introduction by Writer/Director Dean DeBlois – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene. – Hold on tight as we join Hiccup on his first flight with Toothless, and see the various elements that came together to construct the thrilling scene. Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe – Explore HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony. – Explore HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Isle of Berk and discover an island where Vikings and fire-breathing dragons exist together in harmony. Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois Before we let you go, we have officially launched our merch store! Check out all of our amazing apparel when you click here and type in GVN15 at checkout for a 15% discount! Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more! For major deals and money off on Amazon, make sure to use our affiliate link!
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Sandman (Series 2): Trailer, certificate and where to watch
The second and final series of the fantasy epic about the god of dreams 2025
Malay Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
RTM unveils mega-budget ‘Srikandi' drama based on classic Malay literature, airing on Merdeka night (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has produced the epic supertele entitled 'Srikandi' to be aired on Aug 31, in conjunction with the Independence Month celebrations. Its director-general (DG) of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said that the special feature inspired by the classic masterpiece 'Syair Siti Zubaidah Perang China,' published by DBP with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Pahang State Secretary's Office, successfully produced a quality script. 'After more than six months of hard work since last October, including over a month of filming at various locations around Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this project is now in the final phase of production. This drama is the first special epic story by RTM produced on a mega scale and using a film format with the assistance of FINAS. 'The film set of 'Srikandi' highlights historical locations and natural beauty, especially in Pahang, such as Jerantut, Kuala Tahan, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan and Pulau Tioman,' he said during a special meet-and-greet session for the film at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. Also present at the event were the DBP DG Dr. Hazami Jahari, 'Srikandi' director Wan Mohd Afzam Wan Daud, and some of the film's cast. Suhaimi said this feature is not just entertainment but also an intellectual work that uses modern technology to create a cinematic impact. He said the 'Srikandi' script is targeted for competition in film festivals and to be marketed internationally. Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Afzam said the drama, which combines elements of reality and fiction from the pre-16th century era, highlights the spirit of struggle and wisdom of Malay women through the lead character Siti Zubaidah. 'This special tale narrates the determination of Siti Zubaidah as a resilient woman in saving her husband, Sultan Zainal Abidin, from being kidnapped by pirates despite being heavily pregnant,' he also said. Besides Farali Khan, who plays Siti Zubaidah, the drama is also supported by Datuk Fauziah Nawi, Fauziah Latiff, Luqman Hafidz, Catriona Ross, Che Kem and Khatijah Tan among others, and it will be aired on Aug 31 at 9 pm over TV2 and RTMKlik. — Bernama
ABC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Beating Hearts, Universal Language, The Blue Trail
French director Gilles Lellouche on Beating Hearts, a genre-spanning romantic epic starring Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour) that follows a written-in-the-stars infatuation tested by social boundaries. Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin discusses his multi-award winning Universal a surreal interzone between Tehran and Winnipeg, the lives of several characters intertwine in unexpected ways. 2025 Berlinale Grand Jury Prize winner The Blue Trail sees a remarkable woman try to evade a dystopian fate via a grand Amazonian quest. Ahead of Sydney Film Festival screenings, Jason sits down with Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro.
