Anglo-Saxon Background A Prelude to Beowulf

History The Anglo Saxon period is the oldest known period of time that had a complex culture with stable government, art, and a fairly large amount of literature. Many people believe that the culture then was extremely unsophisticated, but it was actually extremely advanced for the time. The Anglo-Saxon period is a time filled with great advancements and discoveries in culture, society, government, religion, literature, and art.

The Angles were a Germanic tribe that occupied the region which is now Scleswig-Holstein, Germany. With their fellow ethnic groups, they formed the people who came to be known as the English. The Saxons were a Germanic people who first appeared in the beginning of the Christian era. Before the year 596, almost everybody had strong pagan beliefs. In 596 missionaries had begun to attempt to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. By the year 650, almost all of England had converted to Christianity- at least in name.

Everyone in the age would always wear extremely modest clothing Everyone in the age would always wear extremely modest clothing. The common garment for a man was the robe gathered at the waist, completed by hose and soft sandals. The same was for the woman, except their dress extended to the feet. The most common materials used to make clothing were linen and woolens, though the more expensive outfits were marked by colorful dyes and exotic borders (Pelteret, 2000). Usually then men would hide short spears under their clothing for added protection.

The common weapon in war was the spear The common weapon in war was the spear. Conventional spears were seven feet long with a iron head and was used to be thrown and also to jab. Shields were plain and round, made of wood with an iron center. Only the rich and noble used swords, which were made of iron with steel edges. When the men weren't fighting, the favorite pastimes of the Anglo-Saxon period were dice and board game such as chess. Complex riddles were very popular, as well as hunting. At gatherings, the most common entertainment was the harp, as well as juggling balls and knives.

Little writing remains to be studied because England was still developing their written language during many of these years, and storytelling was generally in the oral tradition. Daily life was far from easy for people in Anglo-Saxon England. Women especially had a high mortality rate because of the dangers of pregnancies, miscarriages and childbirth. Religious system of the Anglo-Saxons was related to paganism and therefore it had the resemblance to ancient Norse religion, and some other pre-Christian cultures.

In conclusion, the technological advancements and discoveries of the Anglo-Saxon period set the stone for today's society. The age had all of the parts of their culture that we have today. Their period set the foundation for art, society, literature, and culture of what we have today. America would be a very different place if it was not for the impact that the Anglo-Saxon period had society.

Who says the Dark Ages were "dark?" In the world that we sometimes think of as barbaric and violent, beauty was prized in visual ornamentation and literary elaboration. In this introduction to Anglo-Saxon literature, students will study the literature and literary techniques of the early Middle Ages, thus preparing students to read Beowulf with an appreciation for its artistry and beauty. Students will learn the conventions of Anglo-Saxon poetry, write personal boasts, and reflect on what they have learned.

Guiding Questions: What can we learn from the manuscripts and literature of the Anglo-Saxons? What are some formal elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry?

Learning Objectives: Define and give examples of kennings, alliteration, and caesura Read, understand, and write Anglo-Saxon style riddles Write and present a personal boast Reflect on how literature and art were important aspects of Anglo-Saxon life.

Vocabulary Alliteration: A figure of speech in which consonants, especially at the beginning of words, or stressed syllables, are repeated…In [Old English] poetry alliteration was a continual and essential part of the metrical scheme and until the late Middle Ages was often used thus. [Cuddon provides some classic examples, such as Coleridge's description of the sacred river Alph in his poem, Kubla Khan: "Five miles meandering with a mazy motion."]

Alliteration: A figure of speech in which consonants, especially at the beginning of words, or stressed syllables, are repeated…In [Old English] poetry alliteration was a continual and essential part of the metrical scheme and until the late Middle Ages was often used thus. [Cuddon provides some classic examples, such as Coleridge's description of the sacred river Alph in his poem, Kubla Khan: "Five miles meandering with a mazy motion."]

Kenning: The term derives from the use of the Old Norse verb kenna 'to know, recognize'…It is a device for introducing descriptive colour or for suggesting associations without distracting attention from the essential statement. [Cuddon offers the following instances of Old English kennings: a) helmberend—"helmet bearer" = "warrior" b) beadoleoma—"battle light" = "flashing sword" c) swansrad—"swan road" = "sea" Essentially, then, a kenning is a compact metaphor that functions as a name or epithet; it is also, in its more complex forms, a riddle in miniature.]

Riddles – a writing style intended to deomonstrate creativity and often humor. Riddle: I am fire-fretted / and I flirt with Wind; my limbs are light- freighted / I am lapped in flame. I am storm-stacked / and I strain to fly; I'm a grove leaf-bearing / and a glowing coal.

Riddle: The Moon is my father, the Sea is my mother; I have a million brothers, I die when I reach land.

Riddle: Three eyes have I, all in a row; when the red one opens, all freeze.

Riddle: I drink the blood of the Earth, and the trees fear my roar, yet a man may hold me in his hands.

He's oft filled it before. / Now he fills it again. This sly little riddle distracts one with a sexual analogy, but the key phrase "it swivels about" is a clue that the obvious answer is not the right one. Riddle: Swings by his thigh / a thing most magical! Below the belt / beneath the folds Of his clothes it hangs / a hole in its front end, stiff-set and stout / it swivels about. Levelling the head / of this hanging tool, its wielder hoists his hem / above his knee; it is his will to fill / a well-known hole that it fits fully / when at full length He's oft filled it before. / Now he fills it again.

Now You Try Use your WNB and try to create an Anglo-Saxon style riddle. We will share these riddles in groups and with the class.