The Anglo-Saxon Period 449 A.D. – 1066 A.D. Live fast, die young, and be a good looking epic hero.

First came the Romans… Julius Caesar arrives in 55 B.C. Romans establish towns and cities. Romans bring high civilization to Britain. Romans withdraw during the fifth century and leave Britain on its own.

The Anglo-Saxon Period Angles, Saxons and other Germanic tribes begin invasions around 449 A.D. They were pagan warriors who believed in wyrd, or fate. They eventually became more civilized and accepted Christianity.

The Growth of Christianity Even though Roman power collapsed in Britain, Christianity never truly faded. St. Patrick (of Ireland) and St. Augustine (founded Canterbury) helped spread the faith throughout the British Isles.

The Danish Invasions – Part I In the 790s, Danish invaders (Vikings) began raiding and settling in Britain. King Alfred the Great (Anglo-Saxon) defeated the Danes and forced them to accept Christianity.

The Danish Invasions – Part II Edward the Confessor became king in 1042, but he had little support. He named Harold, earl of Wessex, as his successor. William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy in France, killed Harold in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings; he was the last successful invader of Britain. William’s invasion ended the Anglo-Saxon Period.

Literature of the Anglo-Saxons Beowulf The Seafarer The Wanderer The Wife’s Lament A History of the English Church and People

Beowulf – A Classic Epic Poem Scops or bards performed this epic poem for audiences. It is a long, narrative poem that celebrates a hero’s deeds. It uses stock epithets, which are adjectives that point out particular traits in persons or things, such as swift-footed. It uses kennings, which are descriptive phrases to replace a noun, such as “sin-stained demon” for the monster Grendel in Beowulf.

Beowulf – Literary Devices The epic uses a great deal of alliteration to aid the poet’s memory and to set the mood. The ancient blade broke, bit into The monster’s skin, drew blood… The epic’s lines are divided by a caesura, which is a pause near the center of each line. Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty Hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred Grendel came, hoping to kill Anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot.

What Characterizes an Epic? A hero on noble birth or high position Hero reflects important traits of his society Hero performs courageous deeds Hero’s actions determine fate of nation or people The setting is vast in scope The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events, and may involve long travel through danger The poem reflects timeless values, such as courage The poem deals with universal themes, such as good and evil or life and death

Assignment Package – Beowulf As you begin the reading assignment, keep in mind the characteristics of an epic poem. Does Beowulf fit the model? Identify stock epithets and kennings. Identify alliteration and caesuras. Identify and define vocabulary from the epic.