1. Unit 1 The Anglo-Saxons 450-1100
British Literature
Unit 1
The Anglo-Saxons

2. Celtic Britain Britain first mentioned by ancient Greeks
Legendary: remote and mysterious
Romans found the island occupied by Celtic Britons
(related to the Celtic of Western Europe conquered by the Romans)
During 5th century, Romans left the Celtic people to find their own means of defense

4. Rise of the Anglo-Saxons
Brief military success under leadership of King Arthur, medieval legend
Celtic Britain culture collapsed by 600
Attacked by enemies, German tribes from across the North Sea
From , the Anglo-Saxons, wealthy independent lords and kings, fought amongst themselves

5. Anglo-Saxon

6. Fall of Anglo-Saxons Viking Danes began to attack and were defeated
In 1066, the Normans invaded from across the English Channel instituted their own culture, bringing an end to the Anglo-Saxons

7. Anglo-Saxon Culture
Well developed society organized around the family, the clan, the tribe, and the kingdom
2 classes: The eorls, ruling class
The ceorls, bondsmen, ancestors were former slaves
King relied on witan, wise men

8. Anglo-Saxon Social Life
Center of social life was the mead hall
Professional singers, scops, entertained
served as poets and chroniclers
kept stories alive
Until end of 6th century, worshipped pagan gods---associated with Norse mythology now

9. Rise of Christianity At first, Christianity had little impact
Until Augustine, a missionary, converted King Ethelbert of Kent in 597
Within 2 generations, Christianity spread throughout England
Missionaries brought education and culture
Christianity influenced literature, as monks recorded poetry that had been oral
Yet Anglo-Saxons still clung to pagan superstitions and customs

10. Anglo Saxon Literature
Anglo-Saxons brought literary traditions from the continent
Brought oral literature steeped in pagan beliefs
Focused on the brave and heroic deeds of warriors possessing valued attributes
Only surviving full length epic in Old English (from this tradition) is Beowulf

11. Anglo Saxon Poetry The lyric and the riddle
The lyric is personal and emotional
The riddle describes person or object
Both reveal
love of language
terror of northern winter
awareness of death
reverence & fear of the sea

12. Audio Clip