<i>Translatio Studii</i> as Literary Innovation: Marie de France’s <i>Fresne</i> and the Cultural Authority of Translation

Medieval translations can be a shaping force in emerging vernacular literatures, as Marie de France’s Fresne and its Old Norse Middle English demonstrate. While Sif Ríkharðsdóttir highlights that each version is adapted to target literature, these texts also draw on the cultural authority of translatio studii legitimize innovation. This article traces text’s influence using Itamar Even-Zohar’s polysystem theory, having determined their position within literary through textual manuscript contexts. Each constructs own reshape for different ideological purposes, thus producing differ both from source material norms literatures. most apparent representations courtliness: by invoking studii, Anglo-Norman establishes an exemplar sincere interiority-based courtesy, whereas Eskia instrumentalizes French prestige performative ideal courtliness Norwegian literature. Conversely, Lay le Freine uses reinvent genre socially inclusive Breton lay, where primarily effect. Intervernacular therefore emerge key innovation polysystems, pointing towards new approach comparative medieval