The epic and Scottish identity
An epic is a literary form, traditionally poetry, but today also includes novels and motion pictures, which depict lengthy adventures of heroes. The genre can define and sustain national identities, and may reflect the social themes of when pieces were written. The EU-funded project 'The epic in medieval and early modern Scotland' (ELMEMS) explored the genre and its connection with European literature. Other topics included how social and cultural issues changed the epic genre, and its effect on national and other identities. The investigation also compared the Scottish epic with English literature written in Ireland. ELMEMS ran for two years to September 2013. Project research produced five scholarly articles. The interdisciplinary approach showed the interrelationship between political and social circumstances, and concepts of gender, national and class identity. Two of the earliest texts under examination present similar epic themes in depiction of the Irish invasion. Both pieces revise a classic epic theme, that of tension between the hero and king, and adapt real historical events to achieve the texts' goals. Translation played a role in forming Scottish identity. The translated French text Cleriadus et Meliadice became known in Scotland as Clariodus. Its popularity during the 16th century only makes sense if interpreted in terms of the Stewart dynasty's foreign policy. Clariodus presents an ideal of a united Europe in conflict with the Ottomans, the same idea put forward by James IV and James VI. The adaptation into Scots culture was complex, preserving continental themes while also being adapted to Scottish style. Another text, The Historie of Judith, is an early example of gender politics, whereby women are controlled. Yet the title character is not merely a contemporary female caricature. Rather, she is a heroine who assumes a masculine role even while still bound by period values. The ELMEMS project yielded a new understanding of the texts, and of ideologies behind the formation of European nations. Such studies also help to fulfil the goal of a former EU project (HERA) of helping the resurgence of regional cultures.