1. The Anglo-Saxons A. D.

2. Welcome to the Anglo-Saxon Time Period!
This is truly the beginning of recorded British Literature.
The Anglo-Saxons were fierce, pagan warriors who invaded Britain and took over Celtic Land.
BC Celts invade
(Britons and Gaels)
55BC Julius Caesar - Roman presences begins
400AD Briton tribes push out the last Romans
400AD and on – Anglo-Saxon invasions begin

3. Warrior Tribes The four Germanic tribes which make up
the Anglo-Saxons are:
1) Angles
2) Saxons
3) Jutes
4) Frisians

4. Anglo-Saxon Religion
The Anglo-Saxons were polytheistic and believed that their fate was controlled by the gods.
Example of gods include Tui, Woden, and Fria.
Picture courtesy of
The Sutton Hoo Room

5. Anglo-Saxon Religion However, when Christianity
was introduced to the Anglo-Saxons
by the Romans, it softened them over
time.
(about mid-fifth century)

6. The most important was probably St. Augustine.
The gradual emergence of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons was also due to the work of Irish and Continental missionaries
The most important was probably St. Augustine.

7. St. Augustine’s Achievements
*Converted King
Ethelbert of Kent
A.D. 597.
*Founded
Canterbury.
*Became the first
archbishop of

8. Anglo-Saxon Chronicles
The Anglo-Saxon
Chronicles is an important historical document of the Anglo-Saxon people.
Photo used with permission
History Magazine

9. Anglo-Saxon Runes
Runes are an alphabetic script used by the Anglo-Saxons.
Image Courtesy of The Runic Journey

10. OLD ENGLISH
Old English’ is the term we use to describe the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxon people. English is a Germanic language, so Old English sounds more ‘German’ than ‘English’ to our ears.
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11. Epic Poem A long narrative poem developed orally.
Celebrates the deeds of a legendary or heroic figure.
Captures the cultural and religious values of the people.
Hero larger than life

12. Literary Techniques
Kenning – two word poetic renaming of people, places and things
Caesura – rhythmic breaks in the middle of lines, where the reciter could pause for breath.
Alliteration – the repetition of initial consonant sounds in accented syllables

13. Anglo Saxon Warrior Characteristic
1. Followers/warriors pledge service to a lord or leader. The home is directly tied to the leader, not the land on which they live.
2. The lord or leader provides treasures of gold, weapons, jewels, and celebrations in the mead hall as reward for service to his warriors/followers.
3. The Anglo Saxon warrior values bravery, courage, and prowess in battle.

14. …characteristics
4. The most honorable death is death in battle. It is to be celebrated.
5. Original Anglo-Saxons believed that fate controlled their lives and accepted the outcome as inevitable.
6. After the Christian influence, the literature displayed a mixed belief of pagan influence (fate) and God’s control over all aspects of life.
7. Often retold battles in the form of songs sang by scops.

15. Characteristics of Beowulf
Aristocratic poem concerned with kings and kingship.
Strength and courage are basic virtues for both the followed and the follower.
Glorification of war, death, and fame
Highly value bravery, fame, prowess

16. Beowulf Continued
It was composed in a pagan era, but was full of Christian influence.
No specific date.
Monks recorded it.
Beowulf, hero, fights three menaces – Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon