The fate of an epic formula and the tipology of medieval epic

The article deals with the medieval epic tradition analyzed in a comparative and typological prospective. As a specific case study, it focuses upon stable formula containing a constant epithet “white/grey beard” bearing the connotations of “age”, “eldership” and marking somebody senior by kin, status, honor, or (more rarely) wisdom. Usually it is applied to the character of a certain type, that is, to epic ruler. Closer investigation of the literary monuments of the Romanic epic tradition shows that specific application of this distinctive formula/epithet refers to a number of general problems relevant to the interpretation of ancient texts. In case of the Song of Roland, it reveals the internal consistency of the role played within the geste by Charles the Great, and even the genetic character of the entire episode of his combat with Emir Baligant. In case of the Song of Cid, it proves to be quite significant for the debates about the specific nature of the poem’s main hero who is often claimed to be “out of standard”, or even ‘un-epic” character.