Anglo Saxon age (670-1100)

 

Anglo Saxon age (670-1100)

The earliest phase of English literature started with Anglo-Saxon literature of the Angles and Saxons. English was the name and tongue of these tribes. Before they occupied Britain they lived along the coasts of Sweden and Denmark, and the land which they occupied was called Engle-land.The Anglo Saxons were migrants from northern Europe, who settled in England in the fifth and sixth centuries. They sailed across the North Sea in their long wooden ships. They were brave and powerful.

Anglo Saxon tribes:-

The Anglo Saxon and jutes are known as the Anglo-Saxons.The Angles and the Saxon tribes were largest tribes and are often known as Anglo-Saxons. They shared the same language but were each ruled by different strong warriors.

The jutes:

Jutes settled mainly in the Kent. They referred to themselves the kentings.

The Angles:

Angles settled in East Anglia.

The Saxons:

Saxons settled in areas of Essex (east Saxons), Wessex (west Saxons), Middlesex (middle Saxons) and Sussex (south Saxons).

Dialects:

The people of each of various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms spoke distinctive dialects, which evolved overtime and together became known as old English. Include the masterful epic poem Beowulf and the Anglo Saxon chronicles, a collection of manuscripts that cover event in the early history of England.

Famous poem of age:

Beowulf:

Beowulf was the most famous poem of age. Its author is anonymous. Beowulf was the typical representation of the people of that age. Beowulf is the longest, oldest and surviving epic poem consisting of 3182 verses.

It was made as an oral composition, and it is rich in formulas. It was actually conceived in 1700 A.D. And then turn into a manuscript by Christian poet in C.1000.

It is a tale of adventures of Beowulf, the hero who was a champion and slayer of monsters. The incidents in it are such as may be found in hundreds of other stories.

Poetry and poets of age:

After the Anglo Saxons embraced Christianity, the poets took up religious themes as the subject matter of their poetry. In fact, a major portion of Anglo Saxon poetry is religion.

The two important poets of age were;

1-Caedmon

2-Cynewulf

1-Caedmon:

Caedmon sang in series the whole story of the fate of man, from the creation and fall to the redemption and the last judgment, and within this framework the scripture history.

He was the first poet of old English to use old English in his work. His most famous poem was Caedmon’s hymn in the honor of god.

2-Cynewulf:

He wrote on religious themes. He was author of the riddles of Exeter book, vast times version.

1-The fates of apostles

2-Juliana

Cynewulf's most famous poem was Crist.

Principles of Anglo Saxons:

They followed in their life the following great principles;

1-love of personal freedom

2-love for womanhood

3-struggle for glory

4-responsiveness to nature religion

5-religion

All these principles were reflected in their literature. They were full of emotions and aspirations and loved music and songs.

Prose of Anglo Saxon age:

The Anglo Saxon period was also marked by beginning of the English prose. Through the chronicles which begins in King Alfred’s time and through Alfred's translation from Latin, a common prose was established.

There was no brake in the prose of Anglo Saxon and Middle English period.

The two great prose writers were Alfred the great and Alfric.

 

1-Alfred the great:

Alfred the great was the glorious king of Wessex, who translated a number of Latin chronicles in English.

2-Alfric:

The priest, who wrote sermons in a sort of poetic prose.

End of Anglo Saxon age:

Anglo Saxon age came to an end in 1066, when Harold the last Saxon king was defeated in the war of hasting by William the conqueror of Normandy.