The 2nd International St Magnus Conference
Shetland, 9-12 April 2014
The Northern Isles and the Sea
Maritime traditions, island narratives and disciplinary cross-currents
‘Da Sea’s da way da wirld comes to wis.’ (R.A. Jamieson, Nort Atlantic Drift 2007)
ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS
The Centre for Nordic Studies, UHI, is pleased to announce that the 2nd International St Magnus Conference will be held in Lerwick, Shetland, from 9-12 April 2014.
Conference themes
Orkney and Shetland are identified by their Nordic cultural and linguistic heritage and by the immutable fact that they lie in the North Atlantic, surrounded by the overwhelming presence of the Sea. The Sea has been a constant in their history, forging a unique way-of-life, influencing their folklore and artistic life. It has brought the islands into contact with other cultures and at times it has isolated them from developments elsewhere. It brings riches but it takes away life. This multidisciplinary conference will explore this rich, intimate and at times terrifying relationship.
The principal themes of the conference will be:
- The Whale Road -The Northern Isles during the Viking age
- Fish and Ships - The Later Maritime Culture and boatbuilding
- Meads and Selkies - Folklore of the Sea
- Tall Ship Tales – Literature and the Sea
Call for papers:
The conference organisers invite researchers, academics, and other interested parties from a wide range of disciplines to participate in the conference. The event offers an opportunity to present papers and posters on archaeology, history, boatbuilding, fishing, mythology, folk traditions, language and literature.
The deadline for contributions is –
Submission of abstracts (300 words maximum) 1 November 2013
Notification of acceptance 1 January 2014
Full papers due 1 March 2014
Abstracts and papers should be sent by e-mail to CNS@uhi.ac.uk