In the history of England the Anglo-Saxon period from 760 to 1100 marks a crucial time. Anglo-Saxons left a lasting imprint on British culture. The early phase of English literature starts with these tribes, and are called the ancestors of the English race.
Table of Contents
In this article, you will explore the society, literature, origins, and legacy of Anglo-Saxons along with their immortal contributions to the world.
Origins and Settlement of the Anglo-Saxons in England
Anglo-Saxons are not only one tribe, they were different Germanic tribes including the Angles, Saxons and Jutes, for today’s instance, they originated from Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. These tribes in the middle of the 5th century displaced Roman influence from Britain and dominated the Island for centuries.
The places they conquered were collectively called Engle-Land (the lands of Angles and Saxons). Across England, Anglo Saxons established kingdoms to shape their culture and language. Old English was the common language of the Anglo-Saxons and became the base of English we speak today.
Anglo-Saxon had an entitled identity under the lead of Alfred the King until 1066. The Normans in 1066 won a big battle called the Battle of Hastings. In this battle they defeated the Anglo-Saxons and took control of England. The time after this Battle of Hastings is called the Anglo-Norman Period.
Anglo-Saxon Poetry and the Epic of Beowulf
Anglo-Saxon marked the lasting legacies in history but one of the most famous surviving epics, BEOWULF is a monumental work that tells the story of a hero who battles the monsters. The Anglo-Saxon literature was of oral tradition.
The poem explores big ideas like fate (what’s meant to be), honor (doing the right thing), heroism (being brave), and the success and failure of leaders and countries. These ideas were very important to the people of Anglo-Saxon.
Religious Themes in Anglo-Saxon Poetry
By the 7th century, the Anglo-Saxons embrace Christianity, and there was a fellowship of religious themes in their literary works. Caedmon and Cynewulf were the two most dominating literary figures of the Anglo-Saxon period.
Caedmon sang in series the whole story of man’s fate, from the creation and the fall to the atonement and the last judgment, and within his large framework, the scripture history.
The Crist was the most important poem of Cynewulf, a metrical narrative of events on earth by Christ’s ministry. Cynewulf’s most important poem is The Crist, a metrical narrative of the leading events of Christ’s ministry on earth, including his return to judgment, which is treated with much grandeur.
Through the religious theme in their literature, Anglo-Saxons transitioned from pagan belief to Christianity, this shift from pagan society to Christianity influenced literature and society.
Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon’s Poetry
Poetry of Anglo-Saxon stands out for its best and unique features in the poetry including some different expressions like alliteration, kennings, and a focus on religious or heroic themes. The literature of Anglo Saxon was the literature of the harshness, faith and bravery with the reflection of daily life’s survival and devotion to God.
Also Read: Anglo-Saxon Notes Version
The tone of the Anglo-Saxon period was melancholic and stern, enduring the power of deep faith and spirit. An age where loyalty, bravery and honor were vital options for the survival of both kingdoms and individuals were captured by the Period.
Alfred the Great and the Rise of Anglo-Saxon Prose
The famous and well-known poetry of Anglo Saxons witnesses the rise of the Anglo-Saxon Prose. Alfred the Great, the king of Wessex promoted the use of the English language to translate the Latin chronicles into the English language. Alfred the Great, was a key person in the shaping of Anglo-Saxon writing. Alfred also protected England from the Viking attack and kept the country safe.
Alfred helped to establish English Prose as an important medium for governance and education. The ways for written language, setting the stage for literature in later periods were paved by Alfred.
The Anglo-Saxon Language and Its Influence on Modern English
The Anglo-Saxon language is also called Old English, it is part of a big family of languages. Even though it is very hard or crucial to understand for those people who speak English today, many words which we use now came from Old English. Words like “mother”, “father”, “earth”, and “house” all are started from the language of Anglo-Saxon.
Also Read: What is Education? Definitions, Concepts, and Perspectives
The most important thing to note is that a crucial role in shaping the English language was played by the Viking Invasions.
The End of the Anglo-Saxon Period and the Norman Conquest
In 1066 when William conquered England the Anglo-Saxon period came to dramatic end. Normandy’s Duke was defeated at the battle of Hastings by King Harold II. The beginning of the Anglo-Norman introduced a language that was French for the ruling class, this initiative was changing the dynamics of the English language and Society.
Despite this change, the fluence of the Anglo-Saxons still influenced the culture, legal systems and the language of England for centuries.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Anglo-Saxon Period
In English history, the Anglo-Saxons laid a foundation through the development of Literature and the English Language. Through the contribution of Alfred the Great, the Prose of the Anglo-Saxon period dominated the era because he translated the Latin Chronicles into the English Language.
During the Anglo Saxons, there was oral tradition for the poetry and the poetry of Anglo Saxons contributed a lot to the literature, especially by the most dominant epic the BEOWULF in which the story about a hero is discussed against the monsters.
Also Read: The Restoration Period (1660 – 1700): Transformation of English Literature
But at the battle of Hastings, the Normans conquered England by 1066. Normans made several changes to the literature and other roots of culture but the legal systems, culture and language were influenced by the Anglo-Saxons.
Share using share buttons below!