Anglo-Saxon Background notes

History of Anglo-Saxon Civilization

The Anglo Saxon people were Germanic tribes who invaded the British Isles and exiled the Celtic tribes, who had previously been defeated by the Romans, in the 5th century. The British Isles were seen as precious land and they are among the most invaded land in all of history.

After the Anglo-Saxons invaded the previously Roman-occupied land, they divided Britain into 7 kingdoms--a heptarchy. Each kingdom was inhabited by a different tribe and ruled by a king (cyning).

For hundreds of years, the seven tribes fought in great wars against each other to gain power of

the entire British Isles.

The Anglo-Saxon tribes were savage, ruthless people who lived life by a strict warrior code, known today as comitatus.

Although the Anglo-Saxon people were ruthless warriors, they were widely known for their courage and nobility in war and everyday life.

Anglo-Saxons and Literature

Characteristics/Conventions of Anglo-Saxon Literature

Oral Tradition

• A-S were largely illiterate (had language but could not read and write)
• passed on stories, histories, and other information through oral storytelling
• Scops (also known as bards) were people charged with this job
• Stories were told around the campfire, in taverns, or in mead halls

• What is the mood of/throughout the poem?
• Why is the Seafarer in exile?
• What are the “three threats” of Fate outlined in this text?
• How does the poem treat man’s progress in the world?
• If this is the case, what does the text offer as a solution?
• What does the speaker mean by “whale’s home” in lines 60-61?
• In line 9, what does “icy bands” mean?
• Death-noise in line 11?
• What are the effects of lines 48-49 in contrast with the rest of the poem?
• What is this poem’s stance on religion?
• Based on this poem, what can we infer about Anglo-Saxon culture?

Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Site

6th and 7th century site, discovered in 1939

What can you gather from this helmet?

What kind of people do you think wore it? What kind of culture do you think they had?

Please use at least 3 complete sentences.

Bell Ringer

List three things that you learned yesterday.

OR

List three things that you have questions about

The cyning or king was the central part

of every kingdom and tribe.

• was in charge of the protection of his people & land
• Loyalty to one's king was the Anglo-Saxon's main virtue.
• Known as "loaf protector." <--This is known as a kenning.

Women were highly regarded in the Anglo-Saxon culture.

• Said to have a sixth sense (to see future)
• were cup bearers at feasts, which was an honored position.
• Said to be pure and lived in a monogamous relationship with their husbands.
• had strong, respected relationships with their fathers, uncles, nephews, sons. . .etc.

Dark/Light Imagery

• marked by sudden jumps from a dark tone to a light tone.
• Example: warriors could be feasting and rejoicing in a mead hall and then a monster kills people.
• symbolizes their outlook on life: life is difficult, but one must accept and embrace one's fate.

The Anglo-Saxon warrior's attitude

toward battle was always fearless and brave.

• believed they were in constant battle against evil.
• thought they could achieve immortaility by fighting hard and earning it.
• accepted their wyrd (fate) but rejoiced in dying on the battlefield because they would achieve glory in death.

The mead hall was the center of Anglo-Saxon

society.

• where warriors met, made important decisions, & celebrated.
• essential because this is where they bonded with each one another.

If someone broke the law, a common punishment would be exile. To be exiled from one's tribe was a fate worse than death. Loss of companionship= great sorrow.

Boasting

Exit Ticket Questions

1. Briefly explain why we use textual information?

2. Give the definition of the bold and italicized word as well as the context clues that helped you define it

Though I did not have time to read it all, after a cursory review of the report, I was surprised

to see that people spent so much money on cat shampoo.

• warriors must boast about their past and future accomplishments
• must follow through on his bragging.
• would be considered cowards if they didn't

While reading Beowulf you will

be asked to recognize these 6 conventions

within the poem. In addition, be aware of the

following themes:

1. Contrast good/bad kings

2. transitory of life