Anglo Saxon Period in English Literature

 

Anglo-Saxon Lit Overview

The Anglo-Saxon period, also known as the Old English period, refers to the literary and cultural era in England from the fifth century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is the earliest recorded period of English literature and encompasses works written in Old English, the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxons.

Key Features of the Anglo-Saxon Period:

Oral Tradition: 

The primary mode of transmitting literature during this period was oral. Poems and stories were passed down through generations by bards or scop (poet) who would perform them in the court or at gatherings.

Heroic and Epic Poetry: 

One of the most notable literary forms of the period is heroic and epic poetry. Examples include "Beowulf," an epic poem that tells the tale of a hero's adventures and battles against monsters and dragons.

Christian Influences: 

During the later part of the Anglo-Saxon period, Christianity started to spread across England. This led to the blending of Christian themes and elements with traditional Germanic heroic ideals in literary works.

Kenning and Alliteration: 

These were prominent literary devices used in Old English poetry. A kenning is a figurative expression or compound word that substitutes a noun, such as "whale-road" for "sea." Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, was also common in poetry.

Manuscript Culture: 

Most literary works of the Anglo-Saxon period were written in manuscripts. Manuscripts like the "Exeter Book" and the "Vercelli Book" contain various poems and prose texts that have survived to this day.

Beasts and Monsters: 

Anglo-Saxon literature often features monsters and fantastical creatures. These creatures serve as symbols of the challenges and evil forces that the heroic figures must overcome.

Riddles and Elegies: 

Alongside epic poetry, the period also produced riddles and elegies. Riddles were a popular form of entertainment, while elegies mourned the passing of loved ones or the decline of a noble line.

Notable works from the Anglo-Saxon period include "Beowulf," "The Wanderer," "The Seafarer," "The Dream of the Rood," and the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle." These texts provide valuable insights into the language, culture, and worldview of the Anglo-Saxon people.

Anglo-Saxon History Overview

The Anglo-Saxon period, also known as the Early Medieval period, refers to the historical era in England from the 5th century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. During this time, the Germanic tribes known as the Anglo-Saxons settled in what is now England, following the decline and departure of the Roman Empire.

Here are some key points about the Anglo-Saxon period in English history:

Migration of the Anglo-Saxons: 

In the 5th and 6th centuries, Germanic tribes from the regions of present-day Germany and Denmark, known as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, migrated to Britain. They gradually established several kingdoms, including Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia.

Conversion to Christianity: 

The conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity began in the late 6th century with the mission of St. Augustine of Canterbury. The Christianization of England had a profound impact on the culture, arts, and governance of the Anglo-Saxons.

Kingdoms and Political Structures: 

The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were initially independent and frequently engaged in warfare with one another. However, over time, some kingdoms gained dominance and attempted to unite England under their rule. The most successful attempt came with the kingdom of Wessex, led by King Alfred the Great, who repelled Viking invasions and laid the foundation for a unified England.

Viking Invasions: 

During the 8th to the 11th centuries, England faced repeated invasions and raids by Vikings from Scandinavia. These Norse warriors, known as Danes, established settlements and created their own kingdom known as the Danelaw in the northeastern part of England. The Viking invasions had a significant impact on English society, culture, and language.

Literature and Language: 

The Anglo-Saxon period is renowned for its literature, including epic poems such as Beowulf and the works of authors like Bede, Alfred the Great, and Caedmon. Old English, the language spoken during this period, is the earliest form of English and laid the foundation for the modern English language.

The Norman Conquest: 

In 1066, England experienced a pivotal event known as the Norman Conquest. William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. This marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and the beginning of Norman rule in England.

The Anglo-Saxon period played a crucial role in shaping English history, culture, and language. It laid the foundations for the development of the English nation, and many aspects of Anglo-Saxon society continue to influence modern-day England.