THE AMBIVALENCE OF THE IMAGE OF JUDITH IN ANGLO-SAXON LITERATURE OF THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES

Abstract

The article examines the features in the interpretation of the image of the heroine of the biblical myth of Judith in the Anglo-Saxon literary tradition of the early Middle Ages. Depending on the dominant ideas at different stages of the development of society, the image of Judith underwent a transformation. This tendency was reflected in the works of Anglo-Saxon medieval writers: in the sermon on the biblical book "Judith" by Abbot Elfrik Enshem and in the poem "Judith" by an anonymous author. Referring to these monuments, the twofoldness in the image of the biblical heroine is explored. In the first essay, Judith appears before the reader as a meek, chaste virgin, possessing wisdom and humility, and in the second as a brave, courageous and energetic warrior. Revealing differences in interpretation, the author draws attention to the fusion of Christian and Germanic traditions in the spiritual life of Anglo-Saxon society, as well as to the historical context, linking the transformation of the biblical image with the need for armed struggle against the Norman conquerors.