The Anglo–Saxon Period Beowulf

Britain before the Anglo-Saxons Celts: Britons- Britain Gaels- Ireland Before the Anglo-Saxons two groups of Celts invaded Britain: Britains who settled in Britain Gaels who settled in Ireland Headhunters- The head represented the soul and was the symbol of spirituality.

Celtic Life Farmers & Hunters Bitter enemies The Celts (Britons and Gaels) were farmers and hunters but did sometimes fight with one another. They would have savage battles. The Celts believed that the human soul had an after life and lived in the head, which is why they collected the heads of their enemies killed in battles.

Druids Priests: Judge, History of Past They were the link between the supernatural world and the ordinary human one. They were able to predict what would happen in the future by interpreting nature. When the clans had disputes their religious leaders helped to settle things. These were the druid priests. These priests were most likely also responsible for memorizing and reciting long, heroic poems that preserved the people’s myths about the past. These poems might have included fables about some of their heroic leaders like Old King Cole (from the nursery rhyme) and King Lear (Shakespeare). These are great examples of oral tradition that live on today.

The Romans 55BC Britain conquered 100 years later. Rome stayed 300 years left 407AD After the Celts came the Roman emperor Julius Caesar (remember him from sophomore year?) in 55 BC. Britain was truly conquered by Rome 100 years later and Rome stayed for more than 300 years. They finally left in 407 AD.

The Anglo-Saxons Germany Fishers and Farmers Came from the area that is now Germany. They were farmers and fishermen. The Anglo-Saxons lived a much simpler life than the Romans.

The Coming of Christianity Introduced: 4th century- secret symbol the itcthus Religion before was Paganism Christianity was introduced to Rome in the 4th century and even though Rome was taken over by those Barbarians from the North (think Gladiator) The Christian Church survived. The quick symbol they used to find each other was the fish – still used today. From Rome they moved north and eventually had missionary outposts in Britain.

St. Augustine and King Ethelbert Pagan King Ethelbert was converted and the church united the English people. St. Augustine converted the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent (in Britain) and the Church helped to unite the people. Changing a King’s religion is a big deal because before freedom of religion as we know it this meant changing the whole country. Augustine also set up a monastery in Canterbury – We will study Canterbury Tales later. As the world became more peaceful Christianity began to spread and (in a different way) Rome came to Britain again. (First Caesar and then Christianity)

More Invasions! 9th century: Norse- Norway Danes- Denmark Norse settled Scotland & Ireland Danes settled England In the 9th century the Norse (north men) and the Danes had to venture away from their homelands because the populations there were rising so quickly. They found themselves in the British Isles and settled. The Norse settled Wales, North Umbria, Scotland, and Ireland The Danes settled eastern and southern England

Vikings vs Saxons Danes=Vikings Fought the Saxons until 871. King Alfred the Great brought peace and education The Norse and the Danes = Vikings – they fought with the Saxons (invading from the area we know as Germany) for years (until 871) When finally King Alfred of Wessex (the only English King to ever be called “the great”) negotiated a truce that was respected by both sides. Danes got the the east and the north and Saxons got the south. Alfred was not only a soldier but also a man who valued culture (look at the statue). He promoted learning and education.

Edward the Confessor Last king of the Anglo-Saxon Period Kings were known as ring-givers

The Venerable Bede First Historian Bede wrote during this time as well and his work is A History of the English Church and People. The foremost Latin scholar of the time. This history went from the Romans to his time (673-735).

Anglo-Saxon Literature This is a pix of the first page of the earliest existing manuscript of Beowulf. Literature has its roots in the oral tradition of spoken verse and incantations. This eventually took the form of Lyric poetry, which had two forms; heroic, which recount the achievements of warriors and elegiac, which laments the deaths of loved one. Beowulf is Heroic Beowulf was first transmitted orally for one to three centuries. Although its author did not write it down, two English scribes did so in about 1000 A.D.

Beowulf Picture is from The 13th Warrior which ties well with Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic about a great pagan warrior. He is strong, courageous, dignified. It is the first work written in the English language. Before this time Alfred was king and everything was written in Latin – the language of the church. The monks thought old English to be vulgar and too lowly to be written.

Warfare Armies were 100 – 200 men with spears and little else Warriors were aristocratic and called THANES, they owed their allegiance to a chieftain or king who was known as a RING GIVER because he gave the thanes gold rings for their loyalty Kenning = ring giver (often works like what they are and what they do. Use pop tart as a modern example) During this time peace is simply the aftermath of one war and the prelude to another

Feasting and Boasting They didn’t always fight – sometimes they partied! Held at Mead halls and included gift-giving ritual, boasting, story-telling. Boasting was honored At yuletide they made vows for the new year on a sacrificial boar. We still make new year’s resolutions

Mead Hall These were the great gathering places, a safe haven for thanes returning from battle. This is where loyalty was rewarded, traditions preserved and stories told.

Epic Long narrative Written in elevated style Characters of high positions Adventures The development of episodes is important to the history of a nation or race Is an “organic” whole with all parts related to a central heroic figure Comes from the oral tradition If written by anonymous poets – folk epic Based on legend but may have roots in fact (Beowulf has strong historical roots – places and characters are real)

Characteristics of the Epic Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance and of great historical or legendary significance The setting is vast, covers great nations, the world, or the universe. Supernatural forces are involved in the action Elevated style Poet usually maintains some objectivity Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance and of great historical or legendary significance The setting is vast, covers great nations, the world, or the universe. Supernatural forces are involved in the action Elevated style Poet usually maintains some objectivity

Common Devices of Most Epic Poems The poet opens by stating the theme The poet invokes a muse It begins In Medias res – in the middle of things Catalogues (lists) of warriors, ships, etc. Long formal speeches by the main characters Epic similes (lengthy and elaborate comparisons

Wyrd The idea of fate or destiny. Our word weird comes from this.

Early English/Viking Words Wednesday = Woden’s or Odin’s day (chief Norse god) Thursday = Thor’s day (Norse god of thunder) Friday = Freya’s day (Norse goddess of love and beauty)

Anglo-Saxon Literary Terms Caesura – natural break or pause in the middle of a line of poetry. Ex: There may I sit the summer long day Ex: There I can weep over my exile Used in AS poetry to divide each four-stress line in half so is essential to the rhythm

Kenning A metaphorical phrase used in Anglo-Saxon poetry to replace a concrete noun. Ex: Sea – whale’s home King – ring giver Fireman – life saver You might have them practice creating some kennings here. Use pop tart as modern example – what it is and what it does (or in this case vice versa)

Alliteration The repetition of initial consonant sounds. It is used to link words and create musical sounds. Ex: The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew This is the only AS lit device still used regularily

Trailer for Beowulf http://my.hrw.com/la_2010/tx_lit/nsmedia/powernotes_portal/Grade_12/grade12_t.html This is a quick link for you. Choose Mac Ppt. or you will have to deal with a zip file. Sorry, I can’t make it any more direct for you!