Anglo-Saxon Period 449-1066 English IV- Mrs. Gee

Beginnings: Celts: 300s B.C. Romans: 55 B.C. Brythons were a group of Celts (Hence the name Britain) Romans: 55 B.C. Caesar crosses the English Channel 43 A.D. Britain becomes part of the Roman Empire 409 A.D. Roman legions withdraw from Britain leaving it ripe for attack

Beginnings (Cont.): Angles, Saxons, Jutes: 449 A.D. Germanic tribes from Scandinavia and Germany Celts retreated into Wales (Arthur is a legendary Celtic chieftain) 597 A.D. St. Augustine converts King Ethelbert to Christianity (Thereby converting all Anglo-Saxons)

Alfred the Great Only Anglo-Saxon king to successfully defend the island from invasion A great patron of learning Commissioned the translation of many Latin works

Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle Two Classes in Anglo-Saxon society Earls (eorls) Rulers of the tribe. Related to the tribe’s founder Churls (ceorls, bondservants) Ancestors had been captured by the tribe

Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle (cont) Simple Lifestyle Built villages Mead halls were the center of village life Communal farmers Social organization was based on strict societal laws and a sense of obligation to others

Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle (cont) Militaristic Society Comitatus: The relationship between the chieftain and his warriors Avenge each other’s deaths/sufferings Most important Anglo-Saxon relationship (Even over kinship) Chieftain was the absolute ruler, but he would still consult with the witan (wise men), an assembly of respected elders

Anglo-Saxon Lifestyle (cont) Sea-Going Society Important for trade because of the isolation of the island Family Unit Wergild: Obligation of the family to seek repayment (Money, property, blood) for the death of a family member Literally translated as “man payment”

Anglo-Saxon Religion Worshipped many different dieties including idols, nature, and animals Norse Gods/Goddesses Odin (Woden)- God of death, poetry, and magic Thor (Thunor)- God of Thunder and lightning

Anglo-Saxon Religion (cont.) Wyrd: Anglo-Saxon word for “fate” They believed that human destiny was controlled by wyrd In Norse mythology three female entities (the Norns) were responsible for shaping people’s lives out of the layers of their pasts.

Anglo-Saxon Religion (cont.) 597 A.D. Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity Pagan customs gradual remolded- A blend of pagan and Christian customs was the result (As seen in Beowulf) By the end of the 7th century, Anglo-Saxons were truly converted (Beowulf first recorded around 700 A.D.)

Bards, Scops, and Minstrels Sang the songs of the past and present in the mead halls Sang of their gods/heroes/adventures Considered the equals of warriors due to their importance Only way to immortality was through the songs of the scops

Literary Culture of the Anglo-Saxons English literature began in the mead halls where the scops would sing their songs 8th century- Monks began transcribing the ancient epics Only texts which served the ideas of Christianity were preserved

Old English Poetry No rhyme Profound use of alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds “Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed” Use of kenning Metaphorical compound words or phrases that indicate a person or thing by a characteristic or quality “Ring-giver” = King Rapid narrative style leaving out unnecessary details Blatant Foreshadowing

Old English Poetry (cont.) Epic Poetry Epic = A long narrative poem that records the exploits of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the national ideals of his/her people The epic hero is known for his/her strength, wisdom, and courage which assist him/her with the tasks at hand Four remaining works of Anglo-Saxon literature Beowulf Junius (Contains poems by the English scholar/monk Bede The Exeter Book (“The Seafarer”) Vercelli