Anglo-Saxon Literature 449-1066 AD
Age of Warriors Society developed from kinship groups led by strong chief People farmed and created fine crafts, especially metalwork Fame, success, and survival depended on absolute loyalty to leader Constant threat of war or disease
Christianity emerges Replaces the old warrior religion Monasteries bring learning and literacy to England and preserve works from the older oral tradition Women have some rights and opportunities; property as a marriage gift Some old warrior god worship: Odin/Woden-god of Death; our Wednesday is derived from his name
Themes in Anglo-Saxon literature Gods and heroes Later, as Christianity became widespread, a single god was the subject of many stories, and the heroes were strong believers in this god Dragons are significant figures-protectors of treasure Virtues of loyalty, bravery, generosity, friendship are stressed in A-S literature
More themes Good triumphs over evil (but at a painful cost) Fame can be achieved through good deeds Loyalty and self-sacrifice Different members of society have obligations toward one another
Literary Devices Alliteration Metaphor Kenning Symbolism: the arm of Grendel and Beowulf vs. Grendel
Celts Warrior culture Polytheistic Tribal politics Oral stories passed down through the ages Celtic
Romans Organized culture Believed in education Established roads and towns in England Polytheistic at first, then became Christian Government was a republic under Julius Caesar Written literature; poetry, dramas, short stories Language was Latin
Anglo-Saxons Warrior culture Farmers Metalworkers Polytheistic, became Christian Tribal politics; chief was leader Oral stories Language was Old English
Vikings Sack, burn, plunder, pillage was the motto for them Polytheistic Tribal politics No literature has survived No Viking language has survived; their language spawned Danish, Norwegian, Swedish languages