Extra Flashcards
Who was Æthelflæd, and what was her role in the defense of England against the Vikings?
Æthelflæd was the daughter of Alfred the Great and Lady of the Mercians. She played a crucial role in defending and leading Mercia against Viking invasions.
What is the significance of the Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy, and how was it structured?
The Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy was a collective name given to the seven kingdoms of early medieval England (Kent, East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria, Essex, Sussex, and Wessex). This structure is significant because it represents the fragmented political landscape of England before its unification.
To what genre does Beowulf belong and what are its themes?
The text belongs to the epic poetry genre. Elements that fit this genre include the focus on heroic deeds, the celebration of warrior culture, and the use of elevated language.
What role did the monasteries play in the preservation of Anglo-Saxon literature? How did the Viking raids impact these monasteries?
Monasteries were centres of learning and literacy, where monks copied and preserved manuscripts of both religious and secular texts.
The Viking raids led to the destruction of many monasteries, resulting in the loss of countless manuscripts and a setback in literary preservation.
What are the primary themes found in Anglo-Saxon elegiac poetry?
Provide two examples of elegiac poems from this period and briefly describe their themes.
Primary themes in Anglo-Saxon elegiac poetry include exile, loss, the passage of time, and the transience of life.
Examples: “The Wanderer” explores themes of loss and longing, while “The Seafarer” deals with the hardships of life at sea and the spiritual journey.
Why was the Battle of Edington significant?
The Battle of Edington in 878 AD was significant because it marked a decisive victory for Alfred the Great against the Viking forces, leading to the Treaty of Wedmore and the establishment of the Danelaw.
What was a “scop” in Anglo-Saxon culture?
A “scop” was a poet or bard in Anglo-Saxon culture, responsible for composing and reciting poetry that preserved the history and legends of the people.
In which Old English elegy do we find the motif of the “ubi sunt”?
What does the motif “ubi sunt” refer to, and what is its significance?
The Old English elegy “The Wanderer” contains the motif of the “ubi sunt.”
The “ubi sunt” motif refers to a rhetorical question about the whereabouts of people, places, or things of the past.
What is the significance of Old English and how did it evolve from earlier forms of the English language?
Old English, also known as Anglo-Saxon, is the earliest form of the English language. It evolved from the languages spoken by the Anglo-Saxons, who migrated to England from present-day Germany and Denmark. It incorporates elements from Latin, Norse, and Celtic languages due to various historical interactions.
What was the purpose of Hadrian’s Wall, and when was it built?
Hadrian’s Wall was built to protect the Roman province of Britannia from the Picts and other tribes from the north. It was constructed around 122 AD.
What role did the monastic scribes play in the preservation of Anglo-Saxon literature?
How did Viking invasions impact these monastic centers?
Monastic scribes played a crucial role in copying and preserving manuscripts, ensuring that both religious and secular texts were passed down through generations.
Viking invasions led to the destruction of many monasteries and the loss of numerous manuscripts, significantly impacting the preservation of Anglo-Saxon literature.
What are the primary themes found in Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry?
Primary themes in Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry include bravery, loyalty, fate, and the struggle between good and evil.
Explain the significance of the Treaty of Wedmore in 878 AD.
Viking king baptised, Alfred unbinds England into two; north for the Vikings, south got him.
What is meant by the Old English term “eorl”?
Who was Hrothgar and what is his significance in “Beowulf”?
The term “eorl” refers to a nobleman or warrior in Old English society.
Hrothgar is a Danish king in “Beowulf.” He is significant as the builder of the great hall Heorot and as the king who seeks Beowulf’s help to defeat the monster Grendel.
In which Old English elegy do we find the theme of exile prominently featured?
What does the motif of exile represent in Anglo-Saxon literature?
The Old English elegy “The Wanderer” prominently features the theme of exile.
In Anglo-Saxon literature, the motif of exile represents physical and spiritual isolation, the loss of social status, and the search for meaning and belonging in a hostile world.
