1. Anglo Saxon Period

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Anglo Saxons & Religion
Anglo Saxons were Pagans
Paganism= polytheistic religion; 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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.

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

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

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

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

16. 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