The Beginning of English: Old English AD 400-1150

Setting the scene The first literature goes back to Anglo-Saxon times, AD 410- 1066. Times of battles, invasions, and wars. Predominant cultures: Christian culture and heroic actions. The last successful invasion of Britain was in 1066, when the Duke of Normandy William took over power and became the King of Britain. What is English about English literature? It is a big question as English had been influenced by many languages, cultures, and peoples.

Literature in Anglo-Saxon times The predominant form of literature was poetry that was mainly (1) narrative, (2) anonymous, (3) transmitted orally, and (4) sung. Predominant themes: wars, invasions, heroism, and religious subjects. As Christian monks were the only people who could read and write, they were the only to record literature, reflecting the culture of Christianity and heroic actions.

Poems written in old English Caedmon’s Hymn It is the first hymn in English literature. It tells a story about a shepherd named Caedmon who heard the voice of God and started praising Him. Deor’s Lament It is a poem that expresses personal suffering about a man who is searching for work. The Wanderer & The Seafarer They are two elegiac poems about someone recalling memories of legends, old battles, and old heroes.

Poems written in old English The Dream of the Rook It uses a dream-vision technique and describes the cross of Christ. Beowulf It is a long poem, about 3000 lines, telling a myth about a young brave Swedish man who defeats a terrible monster called Grendel and fights against a dragon after 50 years. He kills the dragon and dies a hero at the end of the poem. The Battle of Maldon It is a factual poem describing real battles.

Prose during the Anglo-Saxon times Early English books were histories, rather than imaginative. The History of English Church and People by Venerable Bede The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (some of it in poetry) Catholic Homilies & The Lives of Saints by Aelfric