Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods Historical Context Anglo- Saxon migration The Anglo-Saxons began arriving to northern Europe around A.D 449, driving the Britons to the west. The Anglo-Saxon culture became the basis for English culture and their spoken language became known as Old English Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods

Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods Historical context Historical context The Vikings arrived to England around 790, looting, killing and burning down entire villages. They finally met defeat at the hands of a powerful Anglo-Saxon king known as Alfred the Great. In 1042, Edward the Confessor made his cousin , William, duke of Normandy, his heir to the throne. On Christmas day 1066, William defeated Harold in the Battle of Hasting and was crowned King of England

Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods Cultural Influences Cultural Influences Anglo-Saxons believed in wyrd, or fate, and they saved their admiration for heroic warriors who preserved fate in battle. Christianity opened up a new possibility: the suffering of this world was merely a prelude to the eternal happiness of Heaven Monasteries became centers of knowledge and social activities, offering the only possibility for education. When Vikings invaded England they plundered monasteries and threatened to eliminate all traces of culture

Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval period Literature of the time Literature of the time The early literature of the Anglo-Saxon period took the form of lengthy epic poems praising the deed of heroic warriors. The epic poem was a history lesson and moral sermon, inculcating cultural pride and teaching how a true hero should behave. The mot famous survivor is the epic Beowulf, which relates the tale of a heroic warrior who battles monsters and dragons to protect the people. Lyric poems reflected a more everyday reality: some reflected the loss and death typical of early Anglo-Saxons or the religious faith and moral instructions of Christianity. Most Old English poems are anonymous, with few exceptions: a poet monk named Caedmon is described by Venerable Bede in his famous history of England.

Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods Characteristics of an epic The hero is a legendary figure who performs deeds requiring incredible courage and strength. The hero embodies character traits that reflect lofty ideals. The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone. The Poem reflects timeless values and universal themes.