intro to anglo-saxon notes Flashcards
a fascinating group of people who lived in what we NOW CALL England from the 5th to the 11th
the anglo saxons
an epic poem
beowulf
a long narrative poem that celebrates
a hero’s deeds.
an epic poem
were Germanic tribes that migrated to England.
the anglo-saxons
They arrived in the 5th century and established several kingdoms, such as
Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria.
Their influence on English culture is still evident today, especially in
language and literature.
Why is Beowulf so important? Why is it read in every high school English classroom all over the world???
It is the first complete work of literature ever found written in
the english language!!! And what a tale it tells! It is the model
for all future English epics!
The narrator of this epic poem is a christian narrator telling a story of
pagan (non-christian) times.
the main action of the story is set around 500 A.D., Denmark and
geatland (a region in what is now Sweden).
Life was difficult
bloody battles, ignorance, and barbarism.
It was a way of life, a way to grow as a community, a way to
survive.
Invasion and slaughter was not a matter of morality
Women in Anglo-Saxon society were respected
could own
property, could hold high positions in society equal to men,
and even fought in bloody battles alongside the male warriors.
The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle involved
raising animals and
crops; building weapons, tools, bowls; weaving clothing;
bloody battles; constant concern for survival.
Society was structured into different classes:
The King and nobles
The warriors
The Freemen
the serfs
Ruled the kingdoms and owned land.
the king and nobles
