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 part of 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. 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 Usually then men would hide short spears under their clothing for added protection.

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. 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.

Daily life was far from easy for people in Anglo-Saxon England 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.

Literature Little writing remains to be studied because England was a storytelling culture. Oral tales often included heroes and monsters who represented qualities that the Anglo-Saxons valued - like bravery, honesty, faith, and loyalty. Poetry was often recited in celebration of a victory.Early verse falls mainly into two categories: HEROIC POETRY: recounting the achievements of warriors Beowulf ELEGIAC POETRY: lamenting the deaths of loved ones and the loss of the past The Wanderer

Beowulf The story of a great warrior renowned for his courage, strength and dignity. Considered the national epic of England – first work composed in the English language. Author is unknown Recited as early as the 6th century, composed in the 8th century – written in the 11th

Vocabulary Alliteration: The repetition of the first consonant sound in a series of words. Kenning: a compact metaphor that functions as a name or epithet; it is also, in its more complex forms, a riddle in miniature. a) helmberend—"helmet bearer" = “warrior" b) beadoleoma—"battle light" = "flashing sword” c) swansrad—"swan road" = “sea" Consonance: The repetition of a consonant sound throughout a sentence or passage. (NOT RHYME) Assonance: The repetition of a vowel sound throughout a sentence or passage. (NOT RHYME) Caesura: A break or dramatic pause in poetry - used to add emphasis.

Riddles – a writing style intended to demonstrate 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.