ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD 400 – 1066 AD E. White J. Skelton ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD 400 – 1066 AD

I. Time Line of Important Events 800-600 BC Westward movement from Europe Celtic tribes

Roman invasion to conquer lowland Britain 43 AD Roman invasion to conquer lowland Britain

449 AD Anglo-Saxon invasion Westward expansion of several Germanic tribes: Jutes, Saxons, and Angles Angle+Land=Angleland (England) Culture characterized by warrior society

596 AD Christianization of England Many still held on to pagan beliefs/traditions

797 AD Danish invasions begins Danes and Norseman (Scandinavian Vikings) attacked Britain by sea

1066 AD King Edward dies New King: William I (French) Britain is exposed to French influences:

Feudalism—land parceled out to lords for military support French Influences: Feudalism—land parceled out to lords for military support Chivalry—knights strove to be honorable, brave, and skillful in battle; respectful to women; and helpful to the weak

II. Literature

Germanic traditions of the Anglo-Saxons Oral tradition: Songs and stories glorifying earthly virtues Performed by scops due to illiteracy

Christian teachings of the Roman church Monks established libraries/schools to emphasize the written word—especially the Bible

Heroic verse— celebrates courage, honor, and loyalty Old English poetry: Heroic verse— celebrates courage, honor, and loyalty Elegy— mourns a loss or laments the fleeting nature of life’s joys Religious verse— focuses on Christian teachings and stories

The Epic Vast settings Dangerous quest or journey Long, descriptive passages Heroic deeds of valor Supernatural forces Descent into the Underworld

Epic Hero Immortality achieved through great deeds Allegiance to lord or king Loves glory Honors truth

Beowulf Oldest known English epic: Author unknown Passed down orally by scops Composed in Old English

Images/Themes in Old English Poetry Prominent sea-faring warriors Depicts Anglo-Saxon society Military and tribal loyalties Pagan Germanic folklore—struggles between good and evil Wyrd: Strong belief in fate Express religious faith and give moral instruction

Old English Poetical Devices Alliteration— repetition of initial consonant sounds Kenning— metaphorical phrase; “sea-road” is the ocean

III. Anglo-Saxon Society Mail— chain-link shirt to protect a warrior during battle Mead-hall— lodge where warriors eat, drink, and sleep

III. Anglo-Saxon Society Scop— storytellers who traveled from court to court; entertainers Wergild— “man price;” the price paid to the family of a warrior who had been killed in battle