Steak, salmon, and servitude : the impact of Celtic women on early Icelandic cuisine

Item — Call Number: MU Thesis Med

Identifier: b7931982

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

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The collection consists of theses written by students enrolled in the Monmouth University graduate History program. The holdings are bound print documents that were submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

During the fall 2022 semester (in instances where the requisite waivers were received from consenting student authors), the Monmouth University Library, together with the University's Graduate School and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, began providing open access to select full-text digital versions of current theses and dissertations through links to the ProQuest Dissertations Publishing website in the Library's Online Public Access Catalog. Links to these open access digital publications can also be found in the "External Documents" section under any conforming titles that are listed among the holdings itemized in the collection inventory for this finding aid.

Dates

Creation: 2024

Creator

Medlin, Cristina A. (1998- ) (Author, Person)
Brzycki, Melissa (Thesis advisor, Person)
Campbell, Kenneth L. (1955- ) (Thesis advisor, Person)
Rhett, Maryanne (1977- ) (Thesis advisor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Access is by appointment only.

Access to the collection is confined to the Monmouth University Library and is subject to patron policies approved by the Monmouth University Library.

Collection holdings may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Research appointments are scheduled by the Monmouth University Library Archives Collections Manager (723-923-4526). A minimum of three days advance notice is required to arrange a research appointment for access to the collection.

Patrons must complete a Researcher Registration Form and provide appropriate identification to gain access to the collection holdings. Copies of these documents will be kept on file at the Monmouth University Library.

Full Extent

1 Items (print book) : 30 pages ; 8.5 x 11.0 inches (28 cm).

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Celtic women, known as ambátts in the Old Norse language of Scandinavia, were taken to Iceland and ultimately became their Norse captors' wives, cooks, and servants. This thesis will analyze ambátts’ significant impact on Icelandic cuisine and include research on Celtic women who became the paterfamilias' handmaids, servants, and official wives. While previous research indicates little influence of ambátts on Icelandic cuisine, reading sources in new ways can complicate this reading. Medieval documents from Ireland, sagas written by Icelandic authors, studies of organisms preserved at archaeological sites, and the linguistic similarities between Gaelic and Icelandic bring together intriguing new ways of understanding Icelandic food heritage. By using elements of these materials, scholars can create a fuller picture of what transpired culturally between the Celtic ambátts and Icelandic food customs.

Keywords: ambátt, thrall, diet, cuisine, Iceland

Partial Contents

Case studies : Melkorka and Myrgjol of Ireland -- People, places, and dishes -- Soft and hard beverages -- Dairy -- Porridge -- Herbs -- Dulse -- Salmon -- Linguistics -- Conclusion -- Recipes -- Bibliography.