1. Anglo Saxon Period The “Dark Ages”

2. Perceptions of “Dark Ages”
Ignorance
Confusion
Barbarism
Violence

3. Advancements Today we know that this perception is inaccurate
There were advancements in arts, crafts, jewelry and even language
Much of our language comes from them, the names of several Anglo Saxon gods are our week days (Woden= Wednesday)

5. Up until the year 410 Romans occupied England
When Rome was invaded all forces were withdrawn to protect Rome
This left England open to attacks by Jutes, Angles and Saxons

6. In the year 449- The Jutes invaded England from Jutland (Denmark)

7. They were followed by the Angles and then the Saxons
These groups were both Germanic tribes
Once settled they set up many small kingdoms

8. After some time, there were constant invasions by Vikings
This group was from the Danish peninsula, Sweden and Norway

9. Anglo Saxon Culture
There were great story tellers or wandering poets called Scops, Troubadours, Minstrels or Gleemen

10. Anglo Saxon Culture
The wandering poets sang songs and told stories of great heroes and battles
They were accompanied by a lute (the equivalent of an acoustic guitar)
People went to the Mead Halls for feasts held in honor of battles, and to hear the wandering poets

12. Famous Anglo Saxons Edward the Confessor King Ethelberht
The Venerable Bede
Alfred the Great- He recorded history in English and founded Public Schools

13. Literature of Anglo Saxons
Riddles
Poems
Church Literature as they become Christianized

14. Features of literature
Alliteration- the repetition of a consonant sound (sally sells seashells at the seashore)
Internal rhyme (While I nodded nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping)
External rhyme

15. Epic Poem Pagan and Christian ideas Wyrd (fate)
Combination of a mythical and historical figure
Traditions of a people
Noble deeds of a super hero
Universal Theme- Good vs. Evil

16. Epic poems Unending fight of man against a hostile environment
A brave leader saving a people from great peril
Journey
Kenning- descriptive word or phrase used to replace a noun (ex: wave cutter for boat)

17. Many of these characteristics still apply to today’s epics

18. Beowulf The most famous epic from the Anglo Saxon Period
Oral tradition passed by word of mouth
It was first written down in 1000
Composed in Old English, perhaps as an elegy to a 7th Century king
The manuscript appears to have two different authors

19. Beowulf 1731- suffered irreparable fire damage
1837- first translation to modern English
Inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Michael Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead

20. Qualities of an Epic Hero
Champion of freedom and justice
Courageous
Super human strength
Unfailing loyalty
Devotion to duty