1. Anglo-Saxon LiteratureAD

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Literary Devices Alliteration Metaphor Kenning
Symbolism: the arm of Grendel and Beowulf vs. Grendel

7. Celts Warrior culture Polytheistic Tribal politics
Oral stories passed down through the ages
Celtic

8. 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

9. Anglo-Saxons Warrior culture Farmers Metalworkers
Polytheistic, became Christian
Tribal politics; chief was leader
Oral stories
Language was Old English

10. 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