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Michele Roncarati

Languages and Literature, University of Nottingham

Thesis title:

Wolves and the Wolfish: Imagery of a Cultural Phenomenon in Old Norse-Icelandic

My project aims to investigate the concept of ‘wolfishness’ in medieval Scandinavia through an interdisciplinary approach that considers archaeological, literary and scientific evidence. Wolves were among the most impactful animals in Old Norse culture, and the majority of sources that represent them were created in medieval Iceland. However, this species was never indigenous to Iceland and therefore, my thesis explores this tradition tracing it to Norway and Europe. Furthermore, Old Norse culture places considerable emphasis on the similarities and differences between wolves and dogs, which elicits a complex picture that has not yet been carefully addressed. My project analyses this triangular relationship between humans, wolves, and dogs to determine how wolves came to be among the most influential animals in medieval Scandinavia. 

Research Area

  • Languages and Literature
  • Scandinavian Studies

Publications

Conferences


Public Engagement & Impact

  • Activity Leader for the Vikings4Schools educational project (2022-2024).
  • President for the Viking Society Student Conference 2024 held at the University of Nottingham (April 2024).
  • Tutor at the Brilliant Club (since 2024). I created a module regarding the cultural impact of wolves in medieval Scandinavia targetted at students between the age of 14 and 16. 


Other Research Interests

  • Old Norse Literature
  • The Viking Age
  • Old Norse Law
  • Skaldic Poetry
  • Viking Age Archaeology
  • Human-Animal Relationship
  • Wolf Biology and Behaviour
  • Dog Biology and Behaviour 


Memberships


  • Member of the Viking Society for Northern Research.
  • Member of the Centre for the Study of the Viking Age.


Other Activities

  • Freelance translator. I worked for the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering of the University of Bologna. 
  • Peer-reviewer for the journal Leeds Medieval Studies.