“A Swarm in July”: Beekeeping Perspectives on the Old English Wið Ymbe Charm

Abstract

This exploration of an Old English charm against a swarm of bees (wið ymbe) augments and complements prior work on this enigmatic text by bringing knowledgeable and experienced beekeepers directly into the discussion. Based on insights gained through sharing the text with them and inviting their reactions, this essay offers a highly collaborative and genuinely interdisciplinary interpretation of both the charm’s ritual instructions and the poetic incantation.

URLs for websites, bibliographic references, and other online resources are reviewed, current, and valid at the time of publication. Oral Tradition cannot accept responsibility for the future availability of these online materials.
mobile close