Unit 1 The Anglo-Saxons 450-1100 British Literature Unit 1 The Anglo-Saxons 450-1100

Celtic Britain Britain first mentioned by ancient Greeks Legendary: remote and mysterious Romans found the island occupied by Celtic Britons (related to the Celtic of Western Europe conquered by the Romans) During 5th century, Romans left the Celtic people to find their own means of defense

Rise of the Anglo-Saxons Brief military success under leadership of King Arthur, medieval legend Celtic Britain culture collapsed by 600 Attacked by enemies, German tribes from across the North Sea From 600-850, the Anglo-Saxons, wealthy independent lords and kings, fought amongst themselves

Anglo-Saxon

Fall of Anglo-Saxons Viking Danes began to attack and were defeated In 1066, the Normans invaded from across the English Channel instituted their own culture, bringing an end to the Anglo-Saxons

Anglo-Saxon Culture Well developed society organized around the family, the clan, the tribe, and the kingdom 2 classes: The eorls, ruling class The ceorls, bondsmen, ancestors were former slaves King relied on witan, wise men

Anglo-Saxon Social Life Center of social life was the mead hall Professional singers, scops, entertained served as poets and chroniclers kept stories alive Until end of 6th century, worshipped pagan gods---associated with Norse mythology now

Rise of Christianity At first, Christianity had little impact Until Augustine, a missionary, converted King Ethelbert of Kent in 597 Within 2 generations, Christianity spread throughout England Missionaries brought education and culture Christianity influenced literature, as monks recorded poetry that had been oral Yet Anglo-Saxons still clung to pagan superstitions and customs

Anglo Saxon Literature Anglo-Saxons brought literary traditions from the continent Brought oral literature steeped in pagan beliefs Focused on the brave and heroic deeds of warriors possessing valued attributes Only surviving full length epic in Old English (from this tradition) is Beowulf

Anglo Saxon Poetry The lyric and the riddle The lyric is personal and emotional The riddle describes person or object Both reveal love of language terror of northern winter awareness of death reverence & fear of the sea

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