Cease Writing of Achilles: A Narratological Commentary on the Byzantine Heroic Poem Digenis Akritis

This volume offers a narratological commentary on Digenis Akritis, a Byzantine heroic poem that blends epic and romance. How does the narrator shape the story? What roles do characters, space, and time play in creating meaning? In a detailed introduction followed by a linear commentary, Markéta Kulhánková answers these questions through a close reading of the poem's structure and techniques. She also examines how Digenis Akritis engages with earlier traditions through imitation and transtextuality, while presenting a unique frontier hero. Offering clear, accessible tools for understanding Byzantine narrative, the book is an essential resource for students and scholars alike. It invites readers to view Digenis Akritis as both a product of its time and a timeless tale.

Author: Marketa Kulhankova
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Brill
Published: 07/24/2025
Series: Mnemosyne, Supplements #494
Pages: 264
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 9.25h x 6.10w x 0.63d
ISBN: 9789004733114