The Anglo–Saxon Period

Beowulf

Britain before the Anglo-Saxons

Celtic Life

Druids

The Romans

The Anglo-Saxons

The Coming of Christianity

St. Augustine and King Ethelbert

More Invasions!

Vikings vs Saxons

The Venerable Bede

Anglo-Saxon Literature

Beowulf

Warfare

Feasting and Boasting

Mead Hall

Epic1.Long narrative2.Written in elevated style3.Characters of high positions4.Adventures5.The development of episodes is important to

the history of a nation or race6.Is an “organic” whole with all parts related to a

central heroic figure

Characteristics of the Epic

1.Hero is of imposing stature, of national or international importance and of great historical or legendary significance

2.The setting is vast, covers great nations, the world, or the universe.

3.Supernatural forces are involved in the action4.Elevated style5.Poet usually maintains some objectivity

Common Devices of Most Epic Poems

1. The poet opens by stating the theme2. The poet invokes a muse3. It begins In Medias res – in the middle of

things4. Catalogues (lists) of warriors, ships, etc.5. Long formal speeches by the main characters6. Epic similes (lengthy and elaborate

comparisons

Wyrd

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

Kenning• A metaphorical phrase used in Anglo-Saxon

poetry to replace a concrete noun.

Ex: Sea – whale’s homeKing – ring giverFireman – life saver

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

Trailer for

Beowulf

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