Waltharius: The Latin Epic of Walther of Aquitaine

Waltharius is one of the great monuments of medieval European literature. Set in a fifth-century world of Goths, Huns, Franks, and Burgundians, this poem from the ninth or tenth century tells a lively tale of adventure, treachery, and combat. It recounts the daring escape of Walther and his betrothed, Hildegund, from the court of Attila the Hun, the pursuit of the lovers by Gunther and the Franks, and the moral dilemma of Hagen, who is torn between conflicting loyalties. In their new edition and translation, professors Brian Murdoch and Leonard Neidorf endeavour to make Waltharius more accessible and appealing than it has ever been before. In addition to a facing-page presentation of the Latin text and the modern English verse translation, this book contains an extensive introduction, ample notes, and other supplementary materials.