The Anglo-Saxon Period

Beowulf is the most famous poems in old English. There are three cases/conflict Beowulf encounters, first the battle with Grendel then the battle of Grendel’s mothe and the battle with the dragon “A hero is a person, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” “Epic heroes posses qualities that mere mortals lack, the epic hero often battles for good, or accomplishes a set of tasks to complete an important goal.” This hero gets his qualities at birthright; Beowulf is the ultimate hero who put his life in danger for another kingdom. Beowulf’s heroism was seen when he takes his 14 of his men to help Hrothgar, he was Beowulf father’s closest friend. Hrothgar’s kingdom had been cursed by attacks for the last 12 years that threatened the whole kingdom.

Before England was the superpower it is known to be today, it was a small country inhabited by many groups of people over time. First to England came the Celts, then the Romans, and then the Anglo Saxons. The Anglo Saxon’s traveled to England from the northern countries of Germany Norway and Sweden. When they arrived, they brought their gods with them. The Anglo Saxon’s religion consisted of multiple gods and goddesses and their own view of Heaven and what it would be like. The Anglo Saxon’s also loved poetry, and they used it to keep track of the history of their people. Beowulf is an epic poem that was past down by the Anglo Saxons from generation to generation. The poem is infused with multiple elements of their pagan religion.

One of the most important poems from the Old English literature is, The Beowulf poem. This poem was written by the author named, Burton Raffel. The poem was set in Scandinavia. Beowulf was recently viewed as a historical piece that should be preserved. He was known as the “Hero of the Geats” throughout the poem. This poem is a classic tale of the triumph of good over evil, which Beowulf conveys throughout the whole poem. Beowulf shows many characteristics that would classify him as a hero such as courage, willingness to put other lives before his, and bravery.

Anglo-Saxons refers to settlers from the German regions that migrated to Britain during the fall of the Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, "It 's hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf"(Vengeance the Pagan and Christian Inspiration). Throughout the epic Beowulf, while the Anglo-Saxons followed Christianity, they had a hard time letting go of the Pagan beliefs when things got hard.

The Anglo Saxon is a primary source written by an anglican monk who was captured and taken back to Norway. This chronicle is a recount of the brutal and harsh conditions in captivity and slavery. However; it may not be 100% historically correct due to the obvious grudge and biased point of view the monks have against the Viking warriors. The chronicle was originally written in old english and continuously updated for many years between, 1116-1154 AD . 9 copies of the original were made and spread throughout monasteries around england. All of these facts help depict the importance of this book. This source is quoted as being the single most useful old english historical source due to the fact that it helped historians piece together the romanian

Castles in the medieval time period were more than just a home, but rather a safe haven for the whole town. The first castles were built in the tenth century in Western Europe. Castles played a crucial role in European history. However, by the end of the thirteenth century they had lost their military, political, and social significance and were being abandoned. Castles in the medieval and Anglo Saxon times, especially in European area, were built entirely for proper function towards protection from the outside world.

A difference between the Anglo Saxon people and the American people is the fact that the Americans forget where they come and what they’re about, but the Saxon people never forget their views.

One of the most famous pieces of literature from the time of the Anglo-Saxons is Beowulf. Beowulf is a rather long epic poem about a heroic warrior named Beowulf that defeats a monster named Grendel and its dam as well as a dragon in his later years. The epic is heavily influenced by the Anglo-Saxon culture. Britain was originally pagan and was gradually converted to Christianity around 597 (Moloney). One major aspect

“Beowulf” is an epic poem that exemplifies the true meaning of being a hero by using the

In the Anglo-Saxon era, people who lived relied on their allies when problems occurred. Fighting for land, titles, and leaving

Life in Anglo Saxon England was more dangerous than you would think. Anglo Saxons could be at risk from famine and epidemics, also diseases including degenerative arthritis, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Archaeological evidence appears to show life expectancy was in the thirties, and high infant deaths. Old English Saxon rulers were productive officials, and law-codes somehow survived the seventh tof eleventh century. Under the seventh-century Kentish law, for instance, the total of 12 shillings was payable for removing an ear, 30 shillings for incapacitating a shoulder, and 50 shillings for putting out an eye. Thumping out a front tooth was surveyed at a higher rate of remuneration than thumping out a back tooth, while a finger was worth twice as much as a toe.

The Angles were settled in Britain in the post Roman period and were the main Germanic peoples. Their name came from the district of Angeln which is an area located on the Baltic shore.

Another Old English poem, The Seafarer, has a deep connection with the sea. Though the latter poem is considerably shorter than Beowulf, nevertheless the sentiments expressed therein about the sea reflect some of the same found in Beowulf. The poet begins by reflecting on the miseries which he has endured when travelling by sea in winter–miseries of which the landsman in his comfortable castle knows nothing:

The Angles were a Germanic tribe that occupied the region which is now Scleswig-Holstein, Germany. With their fellow ethnic groups, they formed the people who came to be known as the English. The Saxons were a Germanic people

First is the difference between their language and the language now which is modern English. Anglo-Saxon language is the oldest known form of English language and is also called as Old English. Even though it is referred as old English, their language is far different from modern English and is closer to modern German. The distinction can be seen, for example, on the old English word haftling, to the modern English word prisoner. The similarities to modern German can be seen from the old English haftling, not changing and still being haftling now. Their rich language was used on their great works such as the four manuscripts and, of course, the majestic Beowullf. Old English influenced modern English in some little ways. Old English, as the ancestor, evolved and modified making it less noticeable now but it is actually used in our everyday lives.