The Middle Ages AD

3 Periods Old English (3 Phases) Anglo-Norman Middle English

Three Phases of Old English History Phase 1 Invasion of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes 449 –Original inhabitants Celts –Conquered by the Romans in 55BC –Romans rule for next 200 years (basically a Roman colony) –409 AD Romans leave to defend Rome

Old English History 449 AD Invasion of the Angles, Saxons, Jutes (from the east coast of Germany and Denmark) –Old English-fusion of 3 tribal dialects –Tribal and pagan –Based on concepts of the bond of loyalty between the tribal king and his warriors and the bond of loyalty among kinsmen

Old English History Contribution to Literature –The oral tradition Scops (shop)-storyteller, historian –Entertained in mead halls (center of society)

Old English History Phase 2-Christianization of Britain 597 -St. Augustine -power of Catholic church Contribution-written literature BUT written in Latin

Old English History Phase 3-Development of National English Culture 871 King Alfred the Great Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Contribution-unites England-he takes the Latin literature and has it written in English

1066 Old English Period crashing halt -William the Conqueror invades and defeats *Battle of Hastings *Middle English

Old English Literature Result of two cultures intermingling Fusing pagan and Christian ideals Includes -epics -lyrics (elegies, laments) -riddles -allegories -chronicles -religious philosophy

Old English Poetry Characteristics litote-ironic understatement kenning- condensed compound metaphor that names a thing by its function content and tone-formal, dignified language and tone that places a great emphasis on the heroics ideal beot-boast in which the hero brags about himself—his skills, courage, and accomplishments—at length (establishes his reputation and draws on for strength in battle)

Old English Epic Poetry Alliteration-scops use it as a memory device Synecdoche-substitute a part for the whole (wheels-car) Metonomy-a word is used that is associated with an idea (the crown is angry-the king or queen) Epic similes-go on for several lines Cataloguing-lengthy description

Beowulf Greatest poetical piece of the Old English period Developed in oral tradition—early eighth century ( ) Written down in 1000 First great English epic Does not deal with native Englishmen but their Germanic ancestors

Epic A long narrative poem written in an elevated style on a great serious subject centered on a heroic figure whose actions are important to the fate of a nation or race or people

Epic Characteristics the hero is of great national importance and is of historical and legendary importance the setting is vast in scope the action consists of superhuman deeds of valor supernatural forces often take an interest the style is elevated, ceremonial, and simple types: folk (primary) and literary (secondary)

Time Frame of Beowulf begins 515 AD-before the Christianization of Britain Beowulf, a Geat, goes to help the Danish king, Hrothgar, in defeating the monster Grendel. Beowulf is 20 at this time. 533-Beowulf-King of the Geats-rules for 50 years Beowulf dies in 583

Central Theme of Beowulf A society is doomed to a tragic end when its ideals are revenge, glory or fame, and the dominance of the individual.

Women Relatively unimportant in a warrior-based society, but some were powerful and were active in running large estates Spinning, weaving, embroidery, domestic economy

Society Loyalty to lord came before kin (COMITATUS) Would not leave battle alive if king were killed Frequent stubborn blood feuds WERGILD: compensation for death/injury

Society Classes: king, nobles (earls), freeman (thanes), bonded peasants (churls), slaves (thralls) King selected and advised by a council of elders (WITAN) Trial by ordeal after oathing Believed in marriage, divorce Orphaned sons came of age at age 10

Relationships/Concepts/Values in Early Old English Society Heroic Ideal-relationship between the king and his thanes (warriors) Wergild-relationship among kinsmen (a matter of honor) WYRD or fate controls life Love of war and violence Love of treasure, wealth and prosperity (results of bravery)

Loyalty to family/tribe Love of stories, especially hero stories Belief that nothing good ever lasts Love of rituals: feasting, burial, etc. Unwritten contract between king and warrior: generosity for loyalty

Qualities of Anglo-Saxon Warrior Hero (and a life of honor) Excellence, competence, skill –In battle –In sailing –In riding

Great strength (even superhuman strength) Loyalty (especially to the king) Devotion to duty, eagerness to fight Generosity Love of fame, glory, boasts

Digressions Genius of Beowulf -Lay of Finnsburg -Beowulf’s Prophecy -Hrothgar’s Discussion of the heroic Ideal -Sigemund and Heremod

Blend of Christian and Pagan Full of early Old English society values and ideals Originally a pagan work Christian references Fate (wyrd)-pagan God the Father; Lord-Christian