Table of Contents
- Overview
- Etymology and Meaning
- Literary and Cultural Context
- Connection to Other Mythologies
- Ingwine Heathen Context
Overview
Neorxnawang is an Old English term used to translate the Christian concept of paradise in Anglo-Saxon literature. It refers to a heavenly meadow or a place without toil or worries, drawing from earlier Germanic mythological traditions.
Etymology and Meaning
The etymology of “Neorxnawang” remains debated among scholars. The second element, “-wang,” clearly means ‘field,’ similar to the Gothic “waggs” used for ‘paradise.’ The first element, “neorxna,” has several proposed interpretations:
- No Work Theory: One early theory by Edward Lye suggests that “neorxna” comes from an adjective meaning “no work” (ne + weorc). However, this has phonological inconsistencies and would likely use “un-” for negation instead of “ne-“ (Wiktionary).
- Garden of the Dead Theory: Jane Roberts proposes “neorxna” derives from a genitive plural form of a hypothetical “nēoryxe,” meaning “garden of the dead” (from nēo, “corpse,” and ryxe, “rush”) (Wiktionary).
- Shining Stone Theory: Another suggestion is that “neorxna” could be a compound of “eorcen” (shining) and “stan” (stone), though this involves speculative phonetic reduction (Wiktionary).
- Hall of the Dead Theory: A widely accepted theory once connected “neorxna” with a form meaning “hall of the dead,” linking it to Gothic “rōhsns” (chamber). However, this lacks robust Germanic parallels and is thus considered risky (Wiktionary) (Wikipedia).
Literary and Cultural Context
Neorxnawang is used in Anglo-Saxon texts like the Blickling Homilies to describe paradisiacal locations, often within the framework of Christian and pre-Christian syncretism. It is mentioned in the Adrian and Ritheus dialogue, where it is used to question the duration of Adam’s stay in Paradise, illustrating its role in merging Christian Eden with a culturally familiar paradise concept (Wikipedia) (Wiktionary).
Connection to Other Mythologies
Neorxnawang has parallels in Norse mythology with concepts such as Iðavöllr and Glæsisvellir, fields associated with gods and heroes representing renewal and eternal peace. These connections highlight a shared Germanic tradition of idyllic afterlife locations free from earthly troubles (Wikipedia) (Wiki Gateway).
Ingwine Heathen Context
In the Ingwine Heathen context, Neorxnawang is typically viewed as the lush, verdant area that Haddingus discovers after passing through the Misty Gloom. This area is described as being rich with trees, fields, and goodly herbs, representing a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive environments of the Misty Gloom. This depiction aligns with the broader theme of Neorxnawang as a place of peace and abundance, embodying the ideal of a restful, blissful afterlife free from the toils and troubles of the mortal world.
For further reading on Neorxnawang and its context in Anglo-Saxon literature and mythology, you can refer to sources like the Neorxnawang – Wikipedia and Wiktionary Entry for Neorxnawang.
