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Abstract: Although the Anglo-Saxon compound anhaga (appearing in Beowulf, The Wanderer, Andreas, Elene, Phoenix, Maxims II , and Riddle 5 of the Exeter Book ) is often translated as “loner” or “solitary one,” such paraphrases seem to ignore half of the compound ( an : “one” or “lone”) at the expense of the other ( haga : “hedge” or “haw”). A survey of various -haga compounds ( gemærhaga, swinhaga, turfhaga, wighaga, cumbolhaga, bordhaga , and færhaga ) underscores the importance of both elements and suggests that modern translators place more emphasis upon the “hedge” half of anhaga as well. Since haga may describe the Anglo-Saxon shield-wall formation composed of individual shield-bearers arranged in a tight formation akin to that of a horticultural hedgerow, we suggest a translation of anhaga as “lone hedge warrior” or “solitary shield-bearer,” a designation akin to those of shield-bearing Greek hoplites (named for their unit’s defining defensive armament, the hoplon ) and American G.I.s (named for their common “general issue” or “government issue” military equipment). Yet unlike these soldiers, to be named anhaga identified the Germanic warrior as a particularly solitary figure, one separated from the wighaga (battle-hedge), and thus a soldier without support: a “lone hedge warrior.”
Studies in Philology – University of North Carolina Press
Published: Jan 28, 2015
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