Richard Lejonhjerta i historien och poesin: Akademisk afhandling

This scholarly study delves into the enigmatic figure of Richard Lejonhjerta, tracing his footprints through the chronicles of Norman history and the verses of medieval poetry. Drawing on contemporary sources and literary analysis, the author maps the ways his image was shaped by both courtly chronicles and the popular imagination, revealing a layered portrait that straddles fact and legend. The work also sets him against the backdrop of the Norman‑Anglo‑Saxon encounter after Hastings, highlighting how his story reflects broader cultural tensions of the era.

Beyond the biographical sketch, the dissertation examines the literary afterlife of Lejonhjerta, comparing his heroic aura to the folk traditions surrounding Robin Hood. By juxtaposing aristocratic chivalry with the rebellious spirit of English outlaws, the author uncovers how each culture used the same archetype to articulate its values and aspirations. The result is a nuanced exploration of how history and poetry intertwine, offering listeners fresh insight into the medieval imagination without venturing beyond the initial scholarly arguments.