Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon LiteratureLiterature

Instructor Ecaterina Hantiu Instructor Ecaterina Hantiu PhDPhD

PreliminariesPreliminaries English literature is one of the oldest English literature is one of the oldest

European literatures. Based on the material European literatures. Based on the material provided by the wanderings of the Germanic provided by the wanderings of the Germanic tribes, it underwent many changes, tribes, it underwent many changes, nevertheless managing to preserve its nevertheless managing to preserve its originality.originality.

Some of the main features of the present day Some of the main features of the present day English literature have their roots in the first English literature have their roots in the first literary attempts of a remote past: a peculiar, literary attempts of a remote past: a peculiar, sometimes weird atmosphere, a note of sometimes weird atmosphere, a note of sadness intermingling with a specific sense of sadness intermingling with a specific sense of humour and a style in which certain devices, humour and a style in which certain devices, such as the alliteration and the metaphor such as the alliteration and the metaphor predominate.predominate.

The United KingdomThe United Kingdom

Map of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Map of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland

British literatureBritish literature is is literature from the United literature from the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. and the Channel Islands. By far the largest part of By far the largest part of this literature is written in this literature is written in the English language, but the English language, but there are also separate there are also separate literatures in Latin, literatures in Latin, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Cornish, Manx and Scots, Cornish, Manx and other languages. other languages. Northern Ireland is the Northern Ireland is the only part of Ireland still only part of Ireland still part of the United part of the United Kingdom and it Kingdom and it possesses literature in possesses literature in English, Ulster Scots and English, Ulster Scots and Irish. Irish writers have Irish. Irish writers have also played an important also played an important part in the development part in the development of English-language of English-language literature. literature.

Early HistoryEarly History

THE FIRST THE FIRST INHABITANTS of the INHABITANTS of the British Isles were British Isles were probably the Iberians probably the Iberians (the Megalithic Men), (the Megalithic Men), who are believed to who are believed to have erected huge have erected huge stone monuments, stone monuments, the most famous of the most famous of which is Stonehenge.which is Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury. Archaeologists believe the standing stones were erected around 2200 BC and the surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC.

StonehengeStonehenge

The CeltsThe Celts The Celts, who came The Celts, who came

from the Danube and from the Danube and upper Rhinelands, upper Rhinelands, entered Britain after entered Britain after 700 B.C. in successive 700 B.C. in successive waves.waves.

Celtic society was Celtic society was rurally based and its rurally based and its centre was the tribe.centre was the tribe.

Their religion was Their religion was polytheist. The druids polytheist. The druids played an important played an important part in the life of Celtic part in the life of Celtic society.society.

The Celtic knot – one of the best known Celtic symbols

Druid and the sacred oak tree

Objects of Celtic LifeObjects of Celtic Life

The RomansThe Romans The Romans first The Romans first

came to Britain under came to Britain under Julius Caesar (54-55 Julius Caesar (54-55 B.C.) and later under B.C.) and later under Claudius (42 A.D.).Claudius (42 A.D.).

The Britons were The Britons were defeated and took defeated and took refuge behind the refuge behind the mountains. In Wales, mountains. In Wales, Scotland, Cornwall or Scotland, Cornwall or the Isle of Man they the Isle of Man they preserved their culture preserved their culture and language.and language.

Britons and RomansBritons and Romans

While the Romans While the Romans thought highly of thought highly of Britain as a Britain as a colony, they were colony, they were less happy about less happy about the Britons the Britons themselves.themselves.

““They are tall and They are tall and bandy-legged with bandy-legged with crooked bodies” crooked bodies” (Strabo)(Strabo)

““Savages” Savages” (Tacitus)(Tacitus)

““Creatures which Creatures which are half-man and are half-man and half-beast live half-beast live there.” there.” (Anonymous)(Anonymous)

England has produced many fierce, noble warriors down the ages who have fought to keep England free, but there was one formidable lady in history whose name will never be forgotten - Queen Boudica or Boadicea. The Warrior Queen who fought the might of Rome got her revenge, as in 1902 a bronze statue of her riding high in her chariot, designed by Thomas Thorneycroft, was placed on the Thames embankment next to the Houses of Parliament in the old Roman capital of Britain, Londinium.

Roman BritainRoman Britain

The Roman The Roman invasion of invasion of Britain was a Britain was a significant event significant event ever to happen to ever to happen to the British Isles. the British Isles. It affected It affected language, language, culture, culture, geography, geography, architecture and architecture and even the way of even the way of thinking. thinking.

Roman Buildings in BritainRoman Buildings in Britain

Hadrian's Wall was built, Hadrian's Wall was built, beginning in 122, to keep beginning in 122, to keep Roman Britain safe from Roman Britain safe from hostile attacks from the hostile attacks from the Picts. It was the Picts. It was the northernmost boundary of northernmost boundary of the Roman empire until the Roman empire until early in the fifth century. early in the fifth century.

The wall, stretching from The wall, stretching from the North Sea to the Irish the North Sea to the Irish Sea (from the Tyne to the Sea (from the Tyne to the Solway), was 80 Roman Solway), was 80 Roman miles (about 73 modern miles (about 73 modern miles) long, 8-10 feet wide, miles) long, 8-10 feet wide, and 15 feet high. In and 15 feet high. In addition to the wall, the addition to the wall, the Romans built a system of Romans built a system of small forts called small forts called milecastles (housing milecastles (housing garrisons of up to 60 men) garrisons of up to 60 men) every Roman mile along its every Roman mile along its entire length, with towers entire length, with towers every 1/3 mile. every 1/3 mile.

Roman Buildings in BritainRoman Buildings in Britain

The The Roman BathsRoman Baths complex is a site of complex is a site of historical interest in historical interest in the English city of the English city of Bath. The complex Bath. The complex is a very well-is a very well-preserved Roman preserved Roman site of public site of public bathing, and is a bathing, and is a major tourist major tourist attraction. attraction.

Roman Buildings in BritainRoman Buildings in Britain

The Smardale viaduct (Yorkshire)The Smardale viaduct (Yorkshire)

The Germanic InvadersThe Germanic Invaders The Roman Empire collapsed The Roman Empire collapsed

in 410 A.D. and after the in 410 A.D. and after the Roman legions left Britain Roman legions left Britain several Celtic kingdoms several Celtic kingdoms emerged in the Romanized emerged in the Romanized parts of England.parts of England.

The Germanic migratory The Germanic migratory tribes of the Angles, Saxons tribes of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes came about A.D. and Jutes came about A.D. 449 and once again the 449 and once again the Britons had to change places.Britons had to change places.

The Angle, Saxon, and Jute The Angle, Saxon, and Jute tribes who invaded Britain in tribes who invaded Britain in the 5th and 6th centuries are the 5th and 6th centuries are known as the Anglo-Saxons. known as the Anglo-Saxons. They left their homelands in They left their homelands in northern Germany, Denmark northern Germany, Denmark and northern Holland and and northern Holland and rowed across the North Sea rowed across the North Sea in wooden boats. in wooden boats.

The Germanic InvadersThe Germanic Invaders

The Anglo-Saxons took The Anglo-Saxons took control of most of Britain, control of most of Britain, although they never although they never conquered Scotland, Wales conquered Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. They divided and Cornwall. They divided the country into kingdoms, the country into kingdoms, each with its own royal each with its own royal family. The stronger family. The stronger kingdoms often took control kingdoms often took control of the weaker kingdoms.of the weaker kingdoms.

By around AD 600 the five By around AD 600 the five main Anglo-Saxon main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were kingdoms were Northumbria, Mercia, Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, Kent and Anglia. Wessex, Kent and Anglia.

Languages Spoken in Britain after the Languages Spoken in Britain after the Germanic InvasionGermanic Invasion

Welsh – in Welsh – in WalesWales

Gaelic – in Gaelic – in parts of the parts of the Highlands of Highlands of ScotlandScotland

Erse – in Erse – in IrelandIreland

Breton – in Breton – in Brittany Brittany (France)(France)

Manx – in Manx – in the Isle of the Isle of ManMan

Cornish – in Cornish – in CornwallCornwall

The Danish InvasionThe Danish Invasion The Danes raided The Danes raided

the country the country starting with the starting with the 88thth century. century.

For a time, they For a time, they were held back were held back by king Alfred the by king Alfred the Great of Wessex, Great of Wessex, but after his but after his death the Danish death the Danish prince Canute prince Canute became the king became the king of England in of England in 1016.1016.

The Norman ConquestThe Norman Conquest

1066 was a remarkable year:1066 was a remarkable year: England hadEngland had

Three kings Three kings Three battlesThree battles and anda comet!a comet!

There is no other year in history There is no other year in history quite like 1066.quite like 1066.

Timeline of 1066Timeline of 1066DATE (approximate)DATE (approximate)

5th January5th January 6th January6th January earlyearly May May allall Summer Summer earlyearly September September 20th September20th September 25th September25th September 28th September28th September 13th October13th October 14th October14th October 24th December24th December

EVENTEVENT

Edward the Confessor dies.Edward the Confessor dies. Harold Harold GodwinsonGodwinson crowned King. crowned King. Halley's Comet is visible.Halley's Comet is visible. Harold waited for William to Harold waited for William to

invade.invade. Harold Hardrada lands in Harold Hardrada lands in

Northumbria.Northumbria. Hardrada wins Battle of Fulford Hardrada wins Battle of Fulford

Gate.Gate. King Harold wins Battle of King Harold wins Battle of

Stamford Bridge.Stamford Bridge. William lands in the south.William lands in the south. Having rushed south, Harold Having rushed south, Harold

camps at Senlac.camps at Senlac. The Battle of HastingsThe Battle of Hastings William crowned King in William crowned King in

Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey

The beginning of the troubleThe beginning of the trouble

At the beginning of 1066, At the beginning of 1066, Edward the Confessor Edward the Confessor ruled England. He was 61 ruled England. He was 61 years old,  and was dying.  years old,  and was dying.  King Edward had no King Edward had no children,  so succession children,  so succession was difficult.  There was no was difficult.  There was no direct heir to the English direct heir to the English throne.throne.

King Edward died on King Edward died on January 5th - in the first January 5th - in the first week of the new year. As week of the new year. As King Edward had no King Edward had no children, it was uncertain children, it was uncertain who would rule next.who would rule next.

The CometThe Comet

There are reports of a There are reports of a bright 'star' in early 1066, bright 'star' in early 1066, around the time of King around the time of King Edward the Confessor's Edward the Confessor's death.  At the time, death.  At the time, seeing a star like this was seeing a star like this was a sign of bad things - a a sign of bad things - a bad omen. bad omen.

The 'star' can be seen in The 'star' can be seen in the Bayeux tapestry, just the Bayeux tapestry, just a Harold Godwinson a Harold Godwinson becomes King - a bad becomes King - a bad omen for him! The 'star' omen for him! The 'star' was in fact Halley’s was in fact Halley’s Comet. Comet. 

The death of King Edward The death of King Edward did bring trouble for did bring trouble for England, so perhaps the England, so perhaps the star was indeed a bad star was indeed a bad omen!omen!

THE BATTLE OF HASTINGSTHE BATTLE OF HASTINGSON THEON THE

The 14th October 1066 The 14th October 1066 A date that changed the course of  British historyA date that changed the course of  British history

Stitched on linen, twenty inches wide and 231 feet long, in eight colors of worsted yarn: the Bayeux Tapestry is a fabulous piece of medieval art: created (or at least begun) as early as 1067.

The “Normanization”The “Normanization” William I of EnglandWilliam I of England

((William the ConquerorWilliam the Conqueror; c. ; c. 1028 – 9 September 1087) 1028 – 9 September 1087) was a mediæval monarch. He was a mediæval monarch. He ruled as the Duke of ruled as the Duke of Normandy from 1035 to 1087 Normandy from 1035 to 1087 and as King of England from and as King of England from 1066 to 1087. As Duke of 1066 to 1087. As Duke of Normandy, William was known Normandy, William was known as as William IIWilliam II, and, as King of , and, as King of England, as England, as William IWilliam I. He is . He is commonly referred to as commonly referred to as William the ConquerorWilliam the Conqueror..

His reign brought Norman His reign brought Norman culture to England, which had culture to England, which had an enormous impact on the an enormous impact on the subsequent course of England subsequent course of England in the Middle Ages. In addition in the Middle Ages. In addition to political changes, his reign to political changes, his reign also saw changes to English also saw changes to English law, a programme of building law, a programme of building and fortification, changes in and fortification, changes in the English language and the the English language and the introduction of continental introduction of continental European feudalism into European feudalism into England. England.

The Duke of Normandy in the Bayeux Tapestry

Christianity in BritainChristianity in Britain Christianity came at the Christianity came at the

pagan Anglo-Saxons pagan Anglo-Saxons from two directions:from two directions:

The Celtic Church, The Celtic Church, pushed back into pushed back into Wales, Cornwall, and Wales, Cornwall, and particularly Ireland, particularly Ireland, made inroads in the made inroads in the north from an early north from an early base on Lindisfarne base on Lindisfarne Island.Island.

The Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic Church approached Church approached from the south, from the south, beginning with the beginning with the mission of St.Augustine mission of St.Augustine to Aethelbert, King of to Aethelbert, King of Kent, in 597. Kent, in 597.

Augustine as depicted by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1480

Early Christian IrelandEarly Christian Ireland Following the arrival of Following the arrival of

St Patrick and other St Patrick and other Christian missionaries Christian missionaries in the early to mid-fifth in the early to mid-fifth century, a syncretised century, a syncretised form of Christianity form of Christianity subsumed the subsumed the indigenous pagan indigenous pagan religion by 600 AD. religion by 600 AD. Christianity has played Christianity has played a major role in Ireland's a major role in Ireland's history and culture. history and culture.

St Patrickb. 415d. 493

563AD - Columba arrives on Iona to spread 563AD - Columba arrives on Iona to spread Christian FaithChristian Faith

Scottish Island of IonaScottish Island of Iona

Iona is credited with Iona is credited with being the launch point being the launch point of Christianity into of Christianity into Scotland. The tiny 1800 Scotland. The tiny 1800 acre island has a special acre island has a special significance for all significance for all Christians because that Christians because that is where in 563 AD, is where in 563 AD, Columba and his Columba and his followers arrived from followers arrived from Ireland to extend the Ireland to extend the religion in Scotland and religion in Scotland and the north of England.the north of England.

The Celtic CrossThe Celtic Cross

The Celtic crossThe Celtic cross combines the cross combines the cross with a ring with a ring (symbolizing the sun) (symbolizing the sun) surrounding the surrounding the intersection. It is the intersection. It is the characteristic symbol characteristic symbol of Celtic Christianity, of Celtic Christianity, though it may have though it may have older, pre-Christian older, pre-Christian origins. Such crosses origins. Such crosses formed a major part of formed a major part of Celtic art. This design Celtic art. This design is also referred to as is also referred to as the Irish Cross, or as the Irish Cross, or as the Cross of Iona. the Cross of Iona.

768: The Celtic Church is Reunited with 768: The Celtic Church is Reunited with

RomeRome Following centuries of Following centuries of

isolation, first following isolation, first following the lead of the Irish the lead of the Irish Bishops, then those of Bishops, then those of the rest of Britain, the the rest of Britain, the Celtic Church in Wales Celtic Church in Wales decided to conform to decided to conform to the Rules of Rome and the Rules of Rome and the authority of the the authority of the Church that had been Church that had been set up by Augustine set up by Augustine and his successors at and his successors at Canterbury and agreed Canterbury and agreed upon at Whitby in 664. upon at Whitby in 664.

Celtic CrossNevern (Pembrokeshire)

Monasteries as Cultural CentersMonasteries as Cultural Centers

The Church played The Church played a central role in the a central role in the flowering of culture.flowering of culture.

The monasteries The monasteries were both religious were both religious and cultural and cultural centers: the monks centers: the monks were both scholars were both scholars and artists (see the and artists (see the beautiful beautiful illuminated illuminated manuscripts).manuscripts).

Anglo-Saxon PoetryAnglo-Saxon Poetry

The first literary The first literary

productions were oral productions were oral and anonymous.and anonymous.

The ancient scribes The ancient scribes used a primitive used a primitive alphabet (the letters alphabet (the letters of which were called of which were called Runes), but the Runes), but the Runes were replaced Runes were replaced by the Roman by the Roman alphabet in the 9alphabet in the 9thth – – 1010thth centuries. centuries.

The writing materials The writing materials of ancient Britain of ancient Britain included the old included the old “boc” – a wooden “boc” – a wooden tablet coated with tablet coated with wax and written upon wax and written upon with a style made of with a style made of bone or metal.bone or metal.Runes are an ancient Germanic

alphabet, used for writing, divination and magick.

Anglo-Saxon PoetryAnglo-Saxon Poetry

The first The first scribes scribes were the were the learned learned monks, monks, but later a but later a professionprofessional class of al class of scribes scribes came into came into existence.existence.

The Lindisfarne Gospels.Early eighth century; Lindisfarne.The manuscript produced at the monastery of Lindisfarne contains 258 leaves of vellum

Anglo-Saxon PoetryAnglo-Saxon Poetry

The manuscripts The manuscripts that have come that have come down to us down to us containing the containing the earlier pieces of earlier pieces of Anglo-Saxon Anglo-Saxon literature were literature were written down written down only after the only after the Christianization Christianization of Britain.of Britain.

Anglo-Saxon PoetryAnglo-Saxon Poetry

The works The works have been have been transmitted transmitted by word of by word of mouth until mouth until then. Stories then. Stories were told were told and songs and songs were sung in were sung in the mead the mead halls of the halls of the great great thanes.thanes.

A reconstructed Viking Age longhouse (28,5 metres long).

Anglo-Saxon PoetryAnglo-Saxon Poetry

The works that have The works that have survived are to be found in 4 survived are to be found in 4 manuscripts: manuscripts:

““Beowulf”Beowulf” (a single ms.); (a single ms.); The Exeter The Exeter Book (Codex Book (Codex

Exoniensis) – contains some Exoniensis) – contains some partly pagan lyrical partly pagan lyrical compositions such as compositions such as “Widsith”, riddles, but also “Widsith”, riddles, but also pious poems and maxims;pious poems and maxims;

The Junius (Junian or The Junius (Junian or Bodleian) ManuscriptBodleian) Manuscript – – contains Christian religious contains Christian religious poetry, probably composed poetry, probably composed by Caedmon, or imitations by Caedmon, or imitations of his style;of his style;

The Vercelli BookThe Vercelli Book – contains – contains religious poems such as religious poems such as “andreas”, “The Dream of “andreas”, “The Dream of the Rood” a.s.o.the Rood” a.s.o.

Besides these, there are Besides these, there are loose pages of parchment, loose pages of parchment, such as “Waldhere”, “The such as “Waldhere”, “The Battle of Finnsburgh” etc.Battle of Finnsburgh” etc. The first page of Beowulf

Bards and EntertainersBards and Entertainers

Story-telling and singing Story-telling and singing was already a profession was already a profession in the 6in the 6thth-7-7thth centuries. centuries. The minstrels were The minstrels were divided into divided into scops scops (“the (“the shapers of verse”) and shapers of verse”) and gleemen gleemen (entertainers).(entertainers).

Widsith (The Wide Widsith (The Wide Wanderer)Wanderer) and and Deor Deor are are the first bards known to the first bards known to us by name (or us by name (or nickname). Their songs nickname). Their songs present different aspects present different aspects of life, although they of life, although they draw on similar material.draw on similar material.

Deor’s LamentDeor’s Lament

Welund tasted misery among Welund tasted misery among snakes.snakes.The stout-hearted hero endured The stout-hearted hero endured troublestroubleshad sorrow and longing as his had sorrow and longing as his companionscompanionscruelty cold as winter - he often cruelty cold as winter - he often found woefound woeOnce Nithad laid restraints on Once Nithad laid restraints on him,him,supple sinew-bonds on the better supple sinew-bonds on the better man.man.That went by; so can this. That went by; so can this.

……………………………………………………

We have heard of Eormanric'sWe have heard of Eormanric'swolfish mind; he ruled men in wolfish mind; he ruled men in many placesmany placesin the Goths' realm - that was a in the Goths' realm - that was a grim king.grim king.Many a man sat surrounded by Many a man sat surrounded by sorrows,sorrows,misery his expectation, he often misery his expectation, he often wishedwishedthat the kingdom would be that the kingdom would be overcome.overcome.That went by, so may this. That went by, so may this.

……………………………………………………………………..

I wish to say this about myself:I wish to say this about myself:That for a time I was the That for a time I was the Heodenings' poet,Heodenings' poet,dear to my lord - my name was dear to my lord - my name was "Deor"."Deor".For many years I had a profitable For many years I had a profitable position,position,a loyal lord until now that a loyal lord until now that Heorrenda,Heorrenda,the man skilled in song, has the man skilled in song, has received the estatereceived the estatewhich the warriors' guardian had which the warriors' guardian had given to me.given to me.That went by, so can this. That went by, so can this.

An Anglo-Saxon Riddle (The Exeter Book)An Anglo-Saxon Riddle (The Exeter Book)

I'm by nature solitary, scarred by I'm by nature solitary, scarred by spear spear and wounded by sword, weary of and wounded by sword, weary of battle.battle.I frequently see the face of war, I frequently see the face of war, and fight and fight hateful enemies; yet I hold no hope hateful enemies; yet I hold no hope of help being brought to me in the of help being brought to me in the battle, battle, before I'm eventually done to before I'm eventually done to death.death.In the stronghold of the city sharp-In the stronghold of the city sharp-edged swords, edged swords, skillfully forged in the flame by skillfully forged in the flame by smithssmithsbite deeply into me. I can but await bite deeply into me. I can but await a more fearsome encounter; it is a more fearsome encounter; it is not for menot for meto discover in the city any of those to discover in the city any of those doctors doctors who heal grievous wounds with who heal grievous wounds with roots and herbs.roots and herbs.The scars from sword wounds gape The scars from sword wounds gape wider and wider wider and wider death blows are dealt me by day death blows are dealt me by day and by night. and by night.

BEOWULFBEOWULF BeowulfBeowulf is an Old English heroic is an Old English heroic

epic of anonymous authorship whose epic of anonymous authorship whose dating is uncertain. Its creation is dating is uncertain. Its creation is typically assigned by scholars either typically assigned by scholars either to the period 700–750 C.E., or to the to the period 700–750 C.E., or to the time of composition of the only time of composition of the only manuscript, circa 1010.manuscript, circa 1010.

At 3183 lines, the poem is notable for At 3183 lines, the poem is notable for its length.its length.

As the single major surviving work of As the single major surviving work of Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry, the workAnglo-Saxon heroic poetry, the work—in spite of dealing primarily with —in spite of dealing primarily with Scandinavian matters—has risen to Scandinavian matters—has risen to such prominence that it has been such prominence that it has been described as "England's national described as "England's national epos.“epos.“

The events described in the poem The events described in the poem take place in the late 5th century take place in the late 5th century and during the 6th century after the and during the 6th century after the Anglo-Saxons had begun their Anglo-Saxons had begun their migration and settlement in England, migration and settlement in England, and before it had ended, a time and before it had ended, a time when the Anglo-Saxons were either when the Anglo-Saxons were either newly arrived or in close contact with newly arrived or in close contact with their Germanic kinsmen in their Germanic kinsmen in Scandinavia and northern Germany. Scandinavia and northern Germany.

Sweden in the 12th century: the land of the Geats – in blue, the land of the Swedes in

yellow

BeowulfBeowulf

Beowulf , written in Old Beowulf , written in Old English sometime before the English sometime before the tenth century A.D., describes tenth century A.D., describes the adventures of a great the adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century. A rich fabric of sixth century. A rich fabric of fact and fancy, fact and fancy, BeowulfBeowulf is the is the oldest surviving epic in British oldest surviving epic in British literature.literature.

Beowulf exists in only one Beowulf exists in only one manuscript. This copy manuscript. This copy survived both the wholesale survived both the wholesale destruction of religious destruction of religious artifacts during the artifacts during the dissolution of the monasteries dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII and a disastrous by Henry VIII and a disastrous fire which destroyed the fire which destroyed the library of Sir Robert Bruce library of Sir Robert Bruce Cotton (1571-1631).Cotton (1571-1631).

The The BeowulfBeowulf manuscript is manuscript is now housed in the British now housed in the British Library, London.Library, London.

The latest Beowulf movie - 2005

Main Features of Anglo-Saxon PoetryMain Features of Anglo-Saxon Poetry

No rhyme;No rhyme; The rhythm and The rhythm and

musicality were musicality were provided by provided by alliteration;alliteration;

Each line was Each line was divided into two divided into two parts with the help parts with the help of a caesura;of a caesura;

Parallelism;Parallelism; Metaphors Metaphors

(“kennings”);(“kennings”); An interweaving of An interweaving of

fantastic and real, fantastic and real, heathen and heathen and Christian elements;Christian elements;

Gloomy atmosphereGloomy atmosphere

THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, With God's wrath laden, Grendel came.With God's wrath laden, Grendel came.The monster was minded of mankind nowThe monster was minded of mankind nowSundry to seize in the stately house. ... Sundry to seize in the stately house. ...

Old English Religious PoetryOld English Religious Poetry

Although there are many Christian Although there are many Christian elements in the Anglo-Saxon poetry, elements in the Anglo-Saxon poetry, it is obvious that they were added it is obvious that they were added by the monastic scribes to the by the monastic scribes to the original pagan texts. The genuine original pagan texts. The genuine Christian poetry appeared later.Christian poetry appeared later.

CædmonCædmon is the earliest English poet is the earliest English poet whose name is known. An Anglo-whose name is known. An Anglo-Saxon herdsman attached to the Saxon herdsman attached to the double monastery of Streonæshalch double monastery of Streonæshalch (Whitby Abbey) during the abbacy of (Whitby Abbey) during the abbacy of St. Hilda (657–680), he was St. Hilda (657–680), he was originally ignorant of "the art of originally ignorant of "the art of song" but supposedly learned to song" but supposedly learned to compose one night in the course of compose one night in the course of a dream. He later became a zealous a dream. He later became a zealous monk and an accomplished and monk and an accomplished and inspirational religious poet. inspirational religious poet.

Cædmon's only known Cædmon's only known surviving work is surviving work is Cædmon's HymnCædmon's Hymn, the , the nine-line alliterative nine-line alliterative vernacular praise poem vernacular praise poem in honour of God he in honour of God he supposedly learned to supposedly learned to sing in his initial sing in his initial dream. The poem is dream. The poem is one of the earliest one of the earliest attested examples of attested examples of Old English.Old English.

A long narrative A long narrative entitled “Genesis” is entitled “Genesis” is also attributed to also attributed to Cædmon.Cædmon.

Now [we] must honour Now [we] must honour the guardian of heaven,the guardian of heaven,

the might of the the might of the architect, and his architect, and his purpose,purpose,

the work of the father of the work of the father of gloryglory

— — as he, the eternal as he, the eternal lord, established the lord, established the beginning of wonders.beginning of wonders.

He, the holy creator,He, the holy creator, first created heaven as first created heaven as

a roof for the children of a roof for the children of men.men.

Then the guardian of Then the guardian of mankind, the eternal mankind, the eternal lord,lord,

the lord almighty, the lord almighty, afterwards appointed afterwards appointed the middle earth,the middle earth,

the lands, for men.the lands, for men.

CynewulfCynewulf CynewulfCynewulf is one of twelve Anglo- is one of twelve Anglo-

Saxon poets known by name Saxon poets known by name today, and one of four whose work today, and one of four whose work survives today. He is famous for survives today. He is famous for his religious compositions, and is his religious compositions, and is regarded as one of the regarded as one of the preeminent figures of Old English preeminent figures of Old English Christian poetry. Posterity knows Christian poetry. Posterity knows of his name by means of runic of his name by means of runic signatures that are interwoven signatures that are interwoven into the four poems which into the four poems which comprise his scholastically comprise his scholastically recognized corpus. These poems recognized corpus. These poems are: are: The Fates of the ApostlesThe Fates of the Apostles, , JulianaJuliana, , EleneElene, and , and Christ IIChrist II (also (also referred to as referred to as The AscensionThe Ascension).).

Unlike his literary predecessor, Unlike his literary predecessor, Caedmon, whose biography is Caedmon, whose biography is solely derived from Bede‘s solely derived from Bede‘s Ecclesiastical HistoryEcclesiastical History, Cynewulf's , Cynewulf's life is a veritable mystery to life is a veritable mystery to scholars.scholars.

Cynewulf is the accepted poet of Cynewulf is the accepted poet of the exeter Book, just as Caedmon the exeter Book, just as Caedmon is the poet of the Junian Ms.is the poet of the Junian Ms.

Despite new discoveries, Cynewulf remains “the

shadow of a name.”

Anglo-Saxon ProseAnglo-Saxon Prose

The first prose works in Old English The first prose works in Old English appeared beginning with the 8appeared beginning with the 8thth century.century.

Much of the older literature of Much of the older literature of Christian England was written in Latin Christian England was written in Latin and dealt mainly with historical issues.and dealt mainly with historical issues.

Generally speaking, when we refer to Generally speaking, when we refer to Anglo-Saxon prose, we refer to “The Anglo-Saxon prose, we refer to “The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle”.Anglo-Saxon Chronicle”.

The Anglo-Saxon ChronicleThe Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The The Anglo-Saxon ChronicleAnglo-Saxon Chronicle is a is a collection of texts in Old English narrating collection of texts in Old English narrating the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The the history of the Anglo-Saxons. The annals were created late in the 9th annals were created late in the 9th century, probably in Wessex, during the century, probably in Wessex, during the reign of Alfred the Great. Multiple reign of Alfred the Great. Multiple manuscript copies were made and manuscript copies were made and distributed to monasteries across England, distributed to monasteries across England, and were independently updated. In one and were independently updated. In one case, the chronicle was still being actively case, the chronicle was still being actively updated in 1154.updated in 1154.

Nine manuscripts survive in whole or in Nine manuscripts survive in whole or in part, though not all are of equal historical part, though not all are of equal historical value, and not one of them is the original value, and not one of them is the original version. The oldest seems to have been version. The oldest seems to have been begun towards the end of Alfred's reign, begun towards the end of Alfred's reign, while the most recent was written at while the most recent was written at Peterborough Abbey after a fire at the Peterborough Abbey after a fire at the monastery there in 1116. Almost all of the monastery there in 1116. Almost all of the material in the chronicle is in the form of material in the chronicle is in the form of annals, by year; the earliest are dated at annals, by year; the earliest are dated at 60 BC, and historical material follows up to 60 BC, and historical material follows up to the year in which the chronicle was the year in which the chronicle was written, at which point contemporary written, at which point contemporary records begin. These manuscripts records begin. These manuscripts collectively are known as the Anglo-Saxon collectively are known as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Chronicle.

The initial page of the Peterborough Chronicle

The Latin SourcesThe Latin Sources

The parts of the The parts of the Chronicle originating Chronicle originating before the reign of Alfred before the reign of Alfred the Great, the king of the Great, the king of Wessex, who reigned Wessex, who reigned between 871 – 899, were between 871 – 899, were based on earlier Latin based on earlier Latin sources.sources.

One of these Latin One of these Latin chronicles was chronicles was De De Excidio BritannieExcidio Britannie ( (On the On the Ruin of Britain)Ruin of Britain) by Gildas by Gildas Sapiens (Gildas the Sapiens (Gildas the Wise) - (c. 494 or 516 – Wise) - (c. 494 or 516 – c. 570).c. 570).

The ruins of Glastonburyy Abbey

The Venerable BedeThe Venerable Bede BedeBede (also (also Saint BedeSaint Bede, ,

the the Venerable BedeVenerable Bede, or , or BedaBeda (c. 67 –735), was a (c. 67 –735), was a Benedictine monk in the Benedictine monk in the English county of Durham English county of Durham He is well known as an He is well known as an author and scholar, and author and scholar, and his most famous work, his most famous work, Historia ecclesiastica Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorumgentis Anglorum ( (The The Ecclesiastical History of Ecclesiastical History of the English Peoplethe English People) ) gained him the title "The gained him the title "The father of English history".father of English history".

Besides being a historian, Besides being a historian, Bede showed great talent Bede showed great talent for telling stories. for telling stories.

Alfred the GreatAlfred the Great AlfredAlfred (c. 849 – 899) was (c. 849 – 899) was

king of the southern king of the southern Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex from 871 to 899. Wessex from 871 to 899. Alfred is noted for his Alfred is noted for his defense of the kingdom defense of the kingdom against the Danish against the Danish Vikings, becoming the Vikings, becoming the only English King to be only English King to be awarded the epithet 'the awarded the epithet 'the Great‘. A learned man, Great‘. A learned man, Alfred encouraged Alfred encouraged education and improved education and improved the kingdom's law the kingdom's law system. system.

He was a scholar himself, He was a scholar himself, a translator and a a translator and a historian. historian.

Other ChroniclersOther Chroniclers

The Anglo-Saxon The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was continued Chronicle was continued after Alfred’s death for after Alfred’s death for two and a half centuries two and a half centuries by chroniclers of by chroniclers of Norman England, such Norman England, such as Simeon of Durham, as Simeon of Durham, William of Malmesbury, William of Malmesbury, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Geoffrey of Monmouth, John of Salisbury, Walter John of Salisbury, Walter Map. Some of their Map. Some of their works display exquisite works display exquisite literary qualities.literary qualities.

The first narrative The first narrative account of Arthur's account of Arthur's reign is found in reign is found in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th century Latin work 12th century Latin work Historia Regum Historia Regum BritanniaeBritanniae ("History of ("History of the Kings of Britain"), an the Kings of Britain"), an imaginative and fanciful imaginative and fanciful account of British kings. account of British kings.

Geoffrey of Monmouth (c. 1100 – c. 1155) was a clergyman and one of the major figures in

the development of British history and the popularity of tales of King Arthur. Merlin, King

Leir and Cymbeline were some of the characters in his works that became sources of inspiration

for the writers to come.

From Alfred to the Norman ConquestFrom Alfred to the Norman Conquest

King Alfred the Great died King Alfred the Great died at the turn of the century at the turn of the century and was succeeded by his and was succeeded by his son, Edward the Elder (who son, Edward the Elder (who died in 924) and then his died in 924) and then his grandson Athelstan, but grandson Athelstan, but the Danish influences as the Danish influences as well as some first Norman well as some first Norman influences could already be influences could already be felt.felt.

One of the famous One of the famous historical events of the historical events of the time was the Battle of time was the Battle of Brunanburh. The Battle of Brunanburh. The Battle of Brunanburh was a West Brunanburh was a West Saxon victory in 937 by the Saxon victory in 937 by the army of king Athelstan and army of king Athelstan and his brother Edmund over his brother Edmund over the combined armies of the combined armies of Olaf III Guthfrithson, Viking Olaf III Guthfrithson, Viking king of Dublin, Constantine, king of Dublin, Constantine, king of Scotland and King king of Scotland and King Owain of Strathclyde.Owain of Strathclyde.

The tomb of King Athelstan in Malmesbury Abbey, Malmesbury,

England

From Alfred to the Norman From Alfred to the Norman ConquestConquest

During the years between During the years between 960 – 1000 there was a 960 – 1000 there was a great activity in the great activity in the production of production of homilieshomilies. The . The famous 19 famous 19 Blickling Blickling HomiliesHomilies spoke about virtue spoke about virtue and vice, expressing the and vice, expressing the genral belief that the world genral belief that the world would end in the year 1000.would end in the year 1000.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was continued by was continued by clergymen like Aelfric or clergymen like Aelfric or Wulfstan.Wulfstan.

Other literary productions Other literary productions included popular creations included popular creations such as gospels or legends such as gospels or legends brought over from the brought over from the Continent (about Alexander Continent (about Alexander the Great or the wonders of the Great or the wonders of the East).the East).

Alexander fighting Persian king Darius III. From the Alexander Mosaic,

Pompeii, Naples.

The development of Anglo-Saxon The development of Anglo-Saxon Literature was suddenly checked by Literature was suddenly checked by

the Norman Conquest, which the Norman Conquest, which introduced a foreign idiom and introduced a foreign idiom and

changed not only the language, but changed not only the language, but also the customs and the whole also the customs and the whole

cultural spirit of the country.cultural spirit of the country.