Thyle facts for kids
A thyle (pronounced "thool-uh") was an important person in the courts of kings and leaders in ancient Scandinavia and Anglo-Saxon England. This was during the Early Middle Ages, a long time ago. Their exact job isn't fully clear, but they likely helped remember history and judge what people said based on old stories.
We mostly learn about thyles from old writings. These include Icelandic and Old English literature, like the famous poem Beowulf. In a poem called Hávamál, the term Fimbulþulr ("the great thyle") probably refers to the god Odin himself. The word "thyle" also shows up on an old stone carving called the Snoldelev Stone. Even the city of Frederiksberg in Denmark was once called Tulehøj, which means "Thyle Hill."
What Did a Thyle Do?
The Old English word for thyle, þyle, was sometimes explained using Latin words. One Latin word was histrio, meaning "orator" (someone who gives speeches). Another was curra, meaning "jester" (a funny entertainer). The skill of a thyle, called þylcræft, meant "elocution" or good speaking.
An old dictionary of Old Norse defines þulr as a "wise-man" or "sage." This word is related to the Old Norse verb þula, meaning "to speak," and the noun þula, meaning "a list in poetic form." This suggests that thyles were connected to remembering and sharing stories and poems that were passed down by word of mouth. Think of them as living libraries of ancient knowledge!
Thyles in Famous Stories
In the epic poem Beowulf, a character named Unferð is the thyle. Some people think he might also have been the scop (a poet or storyteller) who recited poems at feasts. It made sense for someone who guarded old knowledge to challenge people's boasts. They would compare new claims to the heroic deeds of the past. This might have helped keep the group's good fortune.
Another idea is that the thyle's job, including Unferth's, was part of the comitatus. This was a group of warriors who fought together. The thyle might have helped turn anger into planned actions during battles.
Thyles and History
Some modern experts believe that after Christianization (when people started becoming Christians), the role of the thyle changed. They think that monks took over some of their duties. The thyle's job might have then become less important, turning into the idea of a simple jester, which is why the Latin word curra was used.
See also
- Skald
- Symbel
