Anglo Saxon Period 449-1066

Anglo Saxon Period In 449, three groups invaded Britain Angles Saxons Jutes

Anglo Saxon Period Anglo-Saxons Drove the natives from the eastern, central, and southern areas Became known as “Angles Land” or England Germanic language developed into “Angle-ish” or English

Anglo Saxon Period Anglo Saxons Originally started out with several tribal units organized by a king. Witan= council of elders who would choose the king for each tribal unit Tribal differences ceases, kingdoms intertwined until there were 7 tribes left 1. Essex 2. Wessex 3. Sussex 4. North Umbria 5. Mercia & the Midlands 6. East Anglia 7. Kent

Anglo Saxons & Religion Anglo Saxons were Pagans Paganism= polytheistic religion; http://www.informationdelight.info/encyclopedi a/entry/polytheistic_religion Fate vs. Personal Freedom Christians believe that all individuals have the freedom to make their own choice Early Anglo Saxons worshiped ancient gods of German mythology

Anglo Saxons & Mead Hall All {social} events began and ended at Mead Hall Mead: Fermented beverages made from honey (Think of beer made from honey) The hall was built by the local lord or king for the entertainment of the Thanes Thanes: warriors and soldiers loyal to the local lord or king

Anglo Saxons & Mead Hall Feasting Hall Great Hall of the King Safest Place in the Kingdom Appearance Rectangular Pointed roof Middle trench on the inside for fires Two long, low tables on each side of the trench Supported by rows of columns

The Anglo Saxon Man Athletic Strong Seafaring Adventurous Strong belief in fair play

Anglo Saxons Ideals Loyalty to Lord or King Great love of personal freedom Respect for women Love for glory Honored the truth

Anglo Saxons Literature Mostly oral stories, especially riddles Written Poetry (Beowulf) Doesn’t Rhyme Uses alliteration Uses Kennings Metaphor often hyphenated ex. Whales-path= sea Symbolism with Seasons Spring: Youth Summer: Adult Autumn: Old Age Winter: Death

Beowulf as an Epic Poem Long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance. The hero’s accomplishments reflect the values of his culture.

The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture

QUEST/ JOURNEY The epic hero usually undertakes a to achieve something of great value to themselves or society

“LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”… Epic heroes meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them… achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

Not a “Superman” with magical powers, but a “REGULAR” human (sometimes part god/part human) whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart

Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person