Anglo Saxon Period

449-1066 Anglo Saxon Period

In 449, three groups invaded Britain Angles

Saxons

Jutes Anglo Saxon Period

Anglo-Saxons Drove the natives from the eastern, central, and southern areas Became known as “Angles Land” or England Germanic language developed into “Angle-ish” or English Anglo Saxons & Religion

 Anglo Saxons were Pagans  Paganism= polytheistic religion;  Fate vs. Personal Freedom  Christians believe that all individuals have the freedom to make their own choice  Early Anglo Saxons worshipped ancient gods of German mythology Anglo Saxons & Mead Hall All {social} events began and ended at Mead Hall  Mead: Fermented beverages made from honey (Think beer made from honey) The hall was built by the local lord or king for the entertainment of the Thanes  Thanes: warriors and soldiers loyal to the local lord or king

Anglo Saxons & Mead Hall

Feasting Hall Great Hall of the King Safest Place in the Kingdom Appearance  Rectangular  Pointed roof  Middle trench on the inside for fires  Two long, low tables on each side of the trench  Supported by rows of columns The Anglo Saxon Man

 Athletic  Strong  Seafaring  Adventurous  Strong belief in fair play Anglo Saxons Ideals

 Loyalty to Lord or King  Great love of personal freedom  Respect for women  Love for glory  Honored the truth Anglo Saxons Literature

 Mostly oral stories, especially riddles  Written Poetry (Beowulf)  Doesn’t Rhyme  Uses alliteration  Uses Kennings  Metaphor often hyphenated ex. Whales-path= sea  Symbolism with Seasons  Spring: Youth  Summer: Adult  Autumn: Old Age  Winter: Death Beowulf as an Epic Poem

 Long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance. The hero’s accomplishments reflect the values of his culture.  Elements of the Epic  Types of Epics  Epic Conventions