by
Martin Puhvel

The author traces and evaluates the possible influences
of Celtic tradition on the Anglo-Saxon epic poem
Beowulf. He discusses theories of the origins of the
poem, draws parallels between elements in Beowulf
and in Celtic literary tradition, and suggests that the
central plot of the poem, the conflict with Grendel and
his mother, is "fundamentally indebted to Celtic
folktale elements." The study is well documented and
rich in references to Celtic literature, legend, and
folklore.

Martin Puhvel is Associate Professor of English at
McGill University, where he teaches Old and Middle
English language and literature, Old Norse, and
folklore. He has contributed numerous articles on vari-
ous facets of English literature to learned journals. A
native Estonian, he has translated Estonian literature
into English and vice versa. He holds the Ph.D. degree
from Harvard.

-i-