Anglo-Saxon Period 449-1066

The Celts A people who came to Britain from the European countries Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Brythons (Britons or British)

Herne the Hunter, the probable source for Robin Hood They were… farmers and hunters Herne the Hunter, the probable source for Robin Hood

Their society was organized into clans ruled by tribal chieftains

They were also head-hunters… "Amongst the Celts the human head was venerated above all else, since the head was to the Celt the soul, centre of the emotions as well as of life itself, a symbol of divinity and of the powers of the other-world." Paul Jacobsthal, Early Celtic Art.

Celtic mythology is full of stories of the severed heads of heroes and the saints who carry their decapitated heads.

Druids: pagan priests of the Celts …composed hymns, poems, and historical records; studied movements of heavenly bodies; served as judges; and conducted religious ceremonies at places such as Stonehenge.

Roman Period: 54-55 BC—Julius Caesar—led forces defeating the Britons but left without establishing a colony

43 AD—Claudius conquered Britain introducing Roman law, culture, and Latin language to the island.

The Romans built roads, spas, and military fortifications, like Hadrian’s Wall

The Romans established a colony in Britain with the first capital Colchester then later in Londinium

60 AD—Prasutagus—King of a Celtic tribe died; Boudica (his wife) destroyed London and Colchester—and very nearly defeated the Roman army Statue of Boudica near Westminster Pier, with her two daughters upon a chariot.

By 500-all Romans left Britain to defend Rome from foreign invaders

Germanic Invasions Germanic invaders arrived from Scandinavia, crossing the North Sea—These were the Norsemen, better known as Vikings.

The historical King Arthur fought against the Germanic invaders.

Three Major Germanic Tribes

Angles—established kingdoms in the northern and midland sections of the island Northumbria Mercia East Anglia

Jutes—from the Jutland peninsula—conquered South-Western England— The kingdom of Kent

Saxons—established kingdoms in the south Wessex Essex Sussex

…since the Angles were the most prominent tribe, the country became known as Angle-land and eventually…England!

Anglo-Saxons brought Germanic legends and cultural aspects to Britain

Gods Tui—god of war Woden—king of gods Thor—god of thunder and sky Freia—goddess of home Wyrd—fate—a goddess We get the names of the week from these gods!

Anglo-Saxon society was organized into a class system Cultural Aspects: Anglo-Saxon society was organized into a class system Comitatus—A warrior band Witenagemont—council of elders Chieftains—Leaders of tribes Thanes—class of ruling warriors, like earls

Cultural Aspects: Continued Churls—freemen, peasants Thralls—slaves Nithing—a person who disgraced himself and was generally exiled

Ways to satisfy a wrong: Revenge In the name of Honor, revenge was a way of life. Ways to satisfy a wrong: Redress in kind (an eye for an eye) Wergild ("man money")—payment in treasure Political marriages

Warrior Code Undying allegiance to a lord Generosity of leaders Materialism Reputation/Fame Boasting

Mead wine made from fermented honey Mead halls places where kings would entertain guests, friends, and retainers

Scops -Minstrels or bards -Composed lays or songs celebrating heroic deeds Entertainer, Historian, Public Relations man

Craftsmanship Metalwork

Jewelry

Tapestries

Carvings

Elements of Anglo Saxon Poetry: -Oral Tradition -Rhythmic/musical -Alliteration -Kennings -Caesura

Other Aspects of Anglo Saxon Poetry Elegiac tone Mixture of paganism and Christianity Often deals with the winter and the sea