History of the People of Great Britain 449 A.D.-1066 A.D

Cultural/Linguistic Influences Celts (Brythons and Gaels) up to 55 B.C. Roman Conquest 55 B.C. - 407 A.D. Anglo-Saxon Period 407 A.D. - 787 A.D. Viking Invasions 787 A.D. - 1066 A.D. Norman Conquest begins in 1066 A.D.

Early England Created by Three Invasions 2. Anglo-Saxon and Viking Invasions 410 – 1066 A.D. 1. Roman Occupation 55 B.C.-410 A.D. GERMAN(IC) 3. The Norman Invasion (The Battle of Hastings) in 1066 A.D. LATIN FRENCH

Pre-Historical /Pre-Roman The island we know as England was occupied by a race of people called the Celts. One of the tribes was called they Brythons or Britons (where we get the term Britain) The Celts were Pagans and their religion was know as “animism” a Latin word for “spirit.” Celts saw spirits everywhere Druids were their priests; their role was to go between the gods and the people

The Roman Invasion 55 B.C. - 407 A.D.

The Romans 55 B.C. Julius Caesar invaded Britain Built roads designed for military purposes (commerce, communication, civilizing) Infrastructure Government (fell apart when they left) Walls, villas, public baths (some remains still exist) Language and Writing Latin was official language Religion Christianity

Anglo Saxon Period 407 A.D- 787 A.D.

The Anglo-Saxons In 449, three groups invaded Britain Angles Saxons Jutes Anglo-Saxons Drove the natives from the eastern, central, and southern areas Became known as “Angles Land” or England Germanic language developed into “Angle-ish” or English

The Anglo-Saxons Originally started out with several tribal units organized by a king. Anglo Saxons were Pagans Paganism= polytheistic religion Fate vs. Personal Freedom Christians believe that all individuals have the freedom to make their own choice Early Anglo Saxons worshipped ancient gods of German mythology

The Anglo-Saxons Writing: primitive system, “runic” Oral tradition of Literature: narratives handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, usually sung. Scop (shope)--Old English poet or bard

Anglo Saxon Society Kings Athelings--Princes Witans--Counselors Thanes--Nobles Peasants--Agricultural Laborers Theows--Servants Thralis--Slaves

Anglo-Saxon Living Conditions most of the towns built by the Romans had fallen into ruins A village was made up of small groups of houses built around a larger hall.

The Anglo-Saxon Man Athletic Strong Seafaring Adventurous Strong belief in fair play

Anglo-Saxon Ideals Loyalty to Lord or King Great love of personal freedom Respect for women Love for glory Honored the truth

The Viking Invasion 787-1066

The Vikings The Vikings were sea-faring, explorers, traders and warriors, Scandinavians during the 8th-11th centuries. Expeditions that plundered and ended in conquest and settlements of Britain. King Alfred “the Great” in 871 was able to use the language to appeal the English and his efforts saved the language.

The Vikings Politically and Culturally there was no central government or church Linguistically (The English Language at its Earliest) The English language is “born” during the first millennium and is known as Old English Old English is mainly Germanic LOTS of dialects of Old-English

The Norman Invasion begins in 1066 A.D.

The Normans In 1066 at the Battle of Hastings, the Normans (powerful Northern Frenchmen) defeated the English and started a centuries-long conquest of England Two Most Important Effects: French becomes official language of politics and power and exerts enormous influence on Old English England begins unifying under a French political system, much of which is still with us (even in the U.S.) today

The Anglo-Saxon Period in Review Pre-Anglo-Saxon (really “pre” historical) Celtic Peoples (approx 1700/400 B.C. – 55 B.C.) Roman Occupation (55 B.C.-410 A.D.) Anglo-Saxon/Viking Angles, Saxons, Frisian, and Jutes (410-787 Viking Raids/Invasions begin 8th c. and end 10th c. Norman Invasion/Occupation (really in the Middle Ages) four centuries of French rule

The Society of the Middle Ages

The 3 Estates The idea of estates, or orders, was encouraged during the Age. Clergy Latin chiefly spoken, those who pray, purpose was to save everyone’s soul Nobles French chiefly spoken, those who fight, purpose was to protect—allow for all to work in peace—and provide justice Commoners English spoken, those who work, purpose was to feed and clothe all above them

Feudalism The economic system of much of the Middle Ages (800-1100) Commoners (peasants) lived on a feudal manor. The lord of the manor gave his vassals (the peasants) land to farm. In return, the vassals received protection from roving bandits. Yet they were taxed and had to surrender a portion of their crops to the lord. Feudalism is important as it created ties of obedience and fostered a sense of loyalty between the vassals and their lord.

Chivalry A product of feudalism, chivalry was an idealized system of manners and morals Restricted to nobility The Medieval knight was bound to the chivalric code to be loyal to… God his lord his lady Chivalric ideals include... benevolence brotherly love politeness

The Church Provided guidance through well known precepts.. Seven Deadly Sins Pride Greed Wrath Envy Gluttony Sloth Lust

The Wheel of Fortune The idea of Fortune and her wheel was one of the most pervasive ideas throughout the Middle Ages. On the wheel are depicted four figures: one at the top, one at the bottom, one rising, and one falling. It served to remind of the temporality of earthly things.

What is Old English? Germanic language introduced to the British Isles in the 5th century A.D. Spoken before the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066 AD which introduced French as the language of the noble class. This language is the ancestor of the Modern English spoken today

Literature During the Medieval Period Three distinctive phases in language in which literature was composed. Old English 449-1066 Middle English 1066- 1485 Modern English 1485-present

Anglo Saxon Literature Mostly oral stories, especially riddles Doesn’t Rhyme Uses alliteration Uses Kennings Metaphor often hyphenated ex. Whales-path= sea Symbolism with Seasons Spring: Youth Summer: Adult Autumn: Old Age Winter: Death

Characteristics of Medieval Literature Heroism from both Germanic and Christian traditions, sometimes mingled Beowulf Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Presentations of idealized behavior literature as moral lesson loyalty to king chivalry use of kennings (especially in Beowulf) A figurative, usually compound expression used in place of a name or noun. Example, storm of swords is a kenning for battle.

Use of Allegory An allegory is a figurative mode of representation conveying a meaning other than the literal. Much of medieval literature relied on allegory to convey the morals the author had in mind while writing--representations of abstract qualities, events, and institutions are thick in much of the literature of this time.

The Ideal of Courtly Love This relationship was modeled on the feudal relationship between a knight and his liege lord. The knight serves his courtly lady with the same obedience and loyalty which he owes to his liege lord. She is in complete control; he owes her obedience and submission.

The Quest A quest is a hero’s journey towards a goal. The objects of quests require great exertion on the part of the hero, and the overcoming of many obstacles. The hero's must obtain something, or someone, by the quest and with this object return home. the code of conduct observed by a knight errant who is wandering in search of deeds of chivalry. This knight is bound by a code of behavior - a set of conventional principles and expectations.

The Hero Is often of divine descent endowed with great strength and ability" or "a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities" The hero faces his greatest fear The hero “dies,” so he can be reborn The hero gains new perception This new perception may create a moment of clarity The moment may be of great self-realization for the hero It may also be an epiphany for the hero’s companions

The Structure Usually, an inner and outer problem for the character is set. The hero is introduced; audience identifies with them The hero lacks something, has a tragic flaw, or a deep wound The call often produces disorientation and discomfort for the hero The call is often in the form of a dire warning

The Structure Excuses are used to avoid the call This hesitation illustrates the formidability of the challenge ahead Resistance creates change and strength, allowing the hero to grow A physical or metaphorical crossing is made The crossing is an irrevocable leap of faith, from which there’s no turning back

Characteristics of Epic Literature The hero is a figure of imposing stature The setting is vast, covering great nations or worlds Action consists of deeds of great valor or require super human strength Supernatural forces are evident A styled of sustained elevation and grand simplicity The poet recounts deed of the hero with a measure of objectivity

Structure of Epic Literature The poet opens by stating the theme The poet then invokes a muse Opens the narrative in media res (literally means “in the midst of things”) Has extensive use of epic similes

Literary Terms

Epic A long verse narrative in an elevated style, presenting characters of high position in adventures Examples: The Iliad, The Odyssey, Gilgamesh, and Beowulf Epic Simile an elaborated comparison. Differs from the ordinary simile by being more involved and ornate. A secondary object is developed into an independent aesthetic object

Folk Epic Kenning An epic without certain authorship An elaborate metaphor used in Old English poetry as a synonym for a simple noun Example: whale-road

Litotes a form of understatement and a characteristic of Old English poetry Example: “Twas a weary while! twelve winter’s time” In Medias Res a literary technique of opening a story in the middle of the action through flashbacks and other devices in exposition

Elegy Epithets a formal poem mourning the death of someone descriptive phrases that may be repeated over and over. Frequently, several epithets are used in the same sentence Example: “Prince of the Danes, protector of Scyldings, Lord of nations, and leader of men,…

Alliteration Alliteration Repetition of the first sounds of words. Used to help scops remember the poem and to create unity within a piece.

Language Changes to the Culture Roman Alphabet was gradually adopted Christianity gradually replaced Anglo Saxon beliefs Literature gradually changed from oral to written

OLD ENGLISH 400- 1066 Beowulf Middle English 1066- 1485 Chaucer 1485- Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum  si þin nama gehalgod tobecume þin rice gewurþe þin willa on eorðan swa swa on heofonum  urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us to dæg  and forgyf us ure gyltas swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum  and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge ac alys us of yfele soþlice. Middle English 1066- 1485 Chaucer Oure fadir þat art in heuenes halwid be þi name;  þi reume or kyngdom come to be. Be þi wille don in herþe as it is doun in heuene.  yeue to us today oure eche dayes bred.  And foryeue to us oure dettis þat is oure synnys as we foryeuen to oure dettouris þat is to men þat han synned in us.  And lede us not into temptacion but delyuere us from euyl. Early Modern English 1485- 1800 Shakes-peare Our father which art in heauen, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen.  Giue us this day our daily bread.  And forgiue us our debts as we forgiue our debters.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliuer us from euill. Amen. Modern English 1800- present Austen .

The End