Emalea Dickerson

The Scope of the Scop in the Hierarchy of Comitatus Emalea Dickerson

In the poem Widsith there is a suggestion that the role of the scop in the hierarchy of the clans is comparable to kingship. The scop embodies the immortality of his predecessors similar to the poems he produces in the name of his service. The concept of immortality directly shows the importance of Widsith's place in the structure of comitatus, his ability to immortalize the king, and others of great notable service. Widsith is not a single poet who witnesses but a title which all poets of the time period imitate. Imitation is necessary in order to produce a horde of socially significant songs which act as guiding points to continue the traditions which invoke comitatus.