Anglo Saxon Era

 

Introduction

The Anglo-Saxon period was the earliest and most influential era of English literature. Spanning from the 5th to 11th centuries, it is often referred to as the Old English period. During this time, works such as Beowulf, The Seafarer, and The Wanderer were written and are still studied today. This time in history has so much to offer and is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a journey back in time and uncover some of these literary treasures.

 

We will explore what makes Anglo-Saxon literature so unique and learn about some of its most iconic authors. We’ll also delve into some lesser-known but equally fascinating works that are worth discovering. By the end of this journey, you will have a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this fascinating period in English literature.

 

The Culture and Background of the Anglo-Saxon Literature

Anglo-Saxon literature dates from the 5th century through the 10th century in England, during an era when cultures from Norse, Germanic, Celtic, and Latin backgrounds poured into Great Britain. The result was a mixed language we call this Old English that fused these various influences together into an amalgamated writing style. These authors used such literary devices as alliteration, kennings, and caesuras to craft narrative poetry and tales in stark contrast with contemporary writing styles.

 

The result was a unique perspective on life that can be seen in popular works like "Beowulf," "The Wanderer," "The Seafarer" and "The Battle of Maldon." Both fictional stories and elegiac poetry addressed interesting themes like heroism, faithfulness, kingship loyalty, fate, and mortality—topics that remain relevant to this day.

 

So let's start exploring Anglo-Saxon literature together!

 

Key Works of Anglo-Saxon Literature

As you explore Anglo-Saxon literature, you'll find three major works:

•   Beowulf,
  
  
• The Dream of the Rood,
  
  
• Caedmon's Hymn.

Beowulf

is an epic poem that has been widely celebrated for centuries. It tells the story of a hero of the Geats, Beowulf, who comes to the aid of King Hrothgar by slaying the monster Grendel and its mother. This poem is a reflection of Anglo-Saxon values and ideals: courage, loyalty, and strength in battle.

The Dream of the Rood is a religious poem that tells a vision of a dream where Jesus appears on the Rood—a kind of cross—and speaks to the narrator about glory and suffering. This poem was an interpretation of Christianity for the Anglo-Saxons and offers insight into how they viewed their faith.

Caedmon's Hymn is an anonymous Old English Christian poem written by Caedmon, a 7th-century cowherd from Northumbria. In this hymn, Caedmon uses poetic language to praise God's creation in all its beauty and glory.

 Influences of Anglo-Saxon Literature

Anglo-Saxon literature was heavily influenced by the culture and beliefs of the people who wrote it. The incorporation of these themes into their stories was often done in both subtle and overt ways.

 

The culture of the Anglo-Saxons revolved around heroism and courage, particularly in battle. These ideals were reflected in their literature, as well as their laws and social customs. They also had a strong belief in fate, which was closely tied to their religious views. This emphasis on fate could be seen in stories like Beowulf, where characters triumph or fail depending on the will of God or Fate.

 

Anglo-Saxon literature was also heavily influenced by early Christian teachings that had been brought to England by missionaries. These stories blended pagan themes with Christian morals, often focusing on repentance, forgiveness, humility, and charity. An example of this is found in the poem “The Dream of The Rood” which tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion from the perspective of the tree (or rood) from which Christ was hung on the cross.

Eventually, Anglo-Saxon literature was often used as a means to reflect upon death and mortality 
 a sentiment that was shared by many during this period due to the high mortality rate caused by fierce feuds between tribes.
Poems such as “The Wanderer” were written to contemplate loss and sorrow, while “Deor” explored bitterness and disappointment due to unfulfilled expectations from life.

 

Interpretations of Anglo-Saxon Stories

The wealth of Anglo-Saxon literature is so vast that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're looking for a few classic works to get your feet wet, try these gems for starters:

Beowulf 

Beowulf is an epic poem about a hero's journey. It follows the titular character as he battles against the monster Grendel, and then his mother, and ultimately against a dragon that seeks vengeance for his death. The poem explores themes of courage, honor, and loyalty - all highly valued qualities in the Anglo-Saxon era.

 

The Seafarer

This anonymous poem details a journey of self-discovery on the sea. Taken as an allegory, it speaks of the struggles we face in life and our search for meaning and redemption. It is full of vivid imagery and symbolic language designed to evoke emotion in its readers.

 

The Wanderer

The Wanderer is another anonymous poem that tells the story of a man who has lost his lord and must now wander the earth alone. He reflects upon exile, loss, suffering, and hope - topics that still resonate with us today.

These three pieces are just some examples of how Anglo-Saxon literature can be interpreted through different lenses - as timeless stories about courageous heroes, as metaphorical journeys towards self-discovery, or as contemplation on our relationship with nature and mortality.

How Anglo-Saxon Literature Has Evolved Over Time

The Anglo-Saxon era of literature began in the 5th century when Latin and Greek influences were prominent. As the centuries rolled by and Christianity spread into the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, new literary styles developed. By the 8th century, stories were being written in Old English, and by the 10th century, this was supplanted by Middle English. Many of these works were based on traditional tales or focused on religion or history.

For example,

Beowulf is one of the oldest surviving pieces of literature from this era; written in Old English, it tells the story of a brave warrior with superhuman strength who struggles against a monster threatening his kingdom. Other famous works include Bede's Ecclesiastical History, as well as The Dream of the Rood, a mystical poem about Jesus' crucifixion.

 

The next major development for Anglo-Saxon literature came during the 12th century when translation from Latin to English started to occur. This allowed more people to access works from antiquity that had been previously neglected due to language barriers. By this time, topics such as courtly love and chivalry had become popular themes in literature, and new forms such as romance poetry began to take shape and evolve.

During this time period, some of the most renowned writers appeared—Geoffrey Chaucer being perhaps the most famous among them—and their work shaped how we understand and appreciate literature today.

 

Literary Analysis of Select Anglo-Saxon Works

Exploring the literature of the Anglo-Saxons is like diving into a treasure trove of hidden gems. Chronicling heroic battles and weaving stories of history, mystery and magic, these works captivate readers with stories that are still relevant centuries later. Here we'll take a look at some of the more prominent pieces from this era.

Analysis of  Beowulf

No review of Anglo-Saxon literature would be complete without mentioning the epic poem, Beowulf. Featuring Scandinavian origins and a hero's journey, this monumental work is filled with adventure, symbolism, and mythology. Considered to be one of the oldest surviving works in English literature, Beowulf's characters remain timeless figures in culture today.

Analysis of  The Seafarer

The Seafarer is an elegiac poem about a sailor reflecting on his past life at sea. As he struggles to cope with his present circumstances and listless days ashore, this melancholic masterpiece captures a range of emotions in vivid imagery that resonates with readers even now.

These two works represent only a small fraction of the literary jewels buried within the Anglo-Saxon era - there are many more waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

Anglo-Saxon literature is a treasure trove of stories and poems that capture our imaginations and reveal truths about humanity.
Although much of the work has been lost due to the ravages of time, it is clear that these stories are as timely today as they were in the past. From Beowulf to Dream of the Rood, these classic poems and stories offer timeless lessons in courage, loyalty, strength, and the human condition. They have found a place in contemporary literature and film, with their themes and motifs still resonating with audiences today. In this way, Anglo-Saxon literature continues to be a source of insight and inspiration.