Old English Literature and Anglo-Saxon Society

The 7 Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England: Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Wessex, Sussex, and Kent, which emerged around 650 AD.

The belief in fate and destiny, a central theme in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture.

The basic organizational unit in Anglo-Saxon society, a small village community.

Anglo-Saxon poets who travelled from village to village, reciting stories and poems by heart, preserving secular literature before writing.

The four main manuscripts containing Anglo-Saxon literature: Junius, Vitellius, Vercelli, and Exeter.

Strong loyalty to one's leader, a core Anglo-Saxon value.

Early Anglo-Saxon religion, focused on natural forces and deities.

The arrival of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England, marked by the conversion of King Ethelbert of Kent in 597 AD.

Short stories with animals as characters, often with a moral lesson. A famous example is "Reynard the Fox".

A story that uses a real or imagined event to illustrate a religious or moral point.

Humorous, often bawdy stories about ordinary people, focusing on their lives and relationships. These stories avoid idealization.

A type of narrative poem that features a popular story, often about a hero or traditional event.

A type of romance originating from Brittany, known for its Celtic features like magic and fairies, often focusing on themes of love and adventure. Sir Orfeo is a famous example.

A time period in English history marked by the arrival of the Normans and the establishment of a strong feudal system. It heavily influenced England's literary and social landscape.

Narrative poems often focusing on chivalrous knights and their quests for love and adventure. They were used to teach moral lessons to the upper classes.

A historical record of a person's life written in verse. A famous example is Layamon's Historia Brutonum.

A-S secular poetry encompasses a wide variety of genres, including charms, proverbs, riddles, heroic epics (like Beowulf), battle poetry (like 'Battle of Brunanburh'), and elegies (like 'Wife's Lament'). This poetry reflected the values and experiences of Anglo-Saxon society.

Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex during the 9th century, was crucial for the survival of English culture. He repelled Viking invasions, promoted education, and commissioned translations of important Latin texts into Old English, preserving the English language.

The rise of monasteries in Northumbria, especially in the 7th and 8th centuries, had a significant influence on culture. Monks from the Hebrides and Ireland established these centers of learning and produced beautiful manuscripts, contributing to the development of literature and art.

The late 8th century saw Viking raids on the northeast coast of England, which led to cultural decline in Northumbria. This period, known as the "Danelaw", saw the influence of Danish culture and language. However, King Alfred's efforts in Wessex preserved English culture and language.

Caedmon, a 7th Century Anglo-Saxon poet, is known for his 'Caedmon's Hymn', considered the earliest known work of English literature. He also translated parts of the Old Testament into Old English, influencing the early development of religious literature.

The Hundred Years' War was a series of conflicts between England and France from 1338 to 1453, primarily sparked by disputes over the French throne and territories. The war's legacy includes significant changes in warfare, national identities, and linguistic evolution.

Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who became a military leader during the Hundred Years' War. She led French troops to victory at Orleans, turning the tide of the war in favor of France. Ultimately, she was captured by the Burgundians and executed, becoming a symbol of French resistance and martyrdom.

During the 14th century, the social structure of England underwent significant changes. While the traditional three classes (aristocracy, knights, peasants) remained, the emergence of cities, trade, and guilds led to the rise of the middle class, also known as the bourgeoisie.

The English language underwent significant shifts and evolving influences during the Middle Ages. New French words like 'money', 'price', and 'merchant' were adopted, and the vocabulary became more complex, reflecting social differences and evolving cultural norms.

The Church was a traditional source of authority and knowledge, but during the late Middle Ages, the rise of universities like Oxford and Cambridge challenged this dominance. These institutions promoted logical analysis and scientific inquiry, shifting the focus from purely theological dogma.

John Wycliff was a scholar and priest known for his realistic approach to Christianity. He challenged traditional practices, emphasizing simplicity, equality, and promoting English instead of Latin for religious services. He also initiated the first complete translation of the Bible into English.

The period of English literature under King Richard II (1377-1399) is known as Ricardian literature, characterized by lyrical poems, like 'The Cuckoo's Song,' and dream visions, where a character falls asleep and experiences a dream revealing a vision.

John Gower, a prolific writer of the late Middle Ages, was known for his works in Latin, French, and English. His writings are often characterized by a serious tone, didacticism, and a focus on Christian themes.

Geoffrey Chaucer, a prominent figure in English literature, explored different literary influences in his works, starting with French, then Italian, and finally with English. He is best known for "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury.

Geoffrey Chaucer, although not a professional writer, left behind a legacy of unfinished works. His writing, often considered a pastime, resulted in diverse literary achievements.

The death of King Arthur in Thomas Malory's "Morte d'Arthur" (1485) marks a symbolic ending to the medieval period, coinciding with the rise of the Renaissance in England and the shift from scribes to printed books.

William Caxton, England's first printer, played a vital role in standardizing the English language through his printing activities. His selection of content and spelling conventions established a benchmark for the emerging national identity.

The Hundred Years' War (1338-1453) and France's eventual victory marked a turning point in English history, contributing to the rise of English as a language of national importance.

The War of the Roses (1455-1485) was a bloody conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Tudor dynasty in 1485.

John Wycliff, a religious reformer, initiated the translation of the Bible into English in the late 14th century, contributing to the development of a standardized English language and the rise of literacy.

The 'Cuckoo Song', 'The Vision Concerning Piers Plowman', and 'The Canterbury Tales' are three prominent examples of English poetry written between 1350 and 1400, showcasing the evolution of English literature.

Geoffrey Chaucer was a prominent late medieval English poet known for his diverse works, including "Troilus and Criseyde" (influenced by Italian literature) and "Canterbury Tales" (highlighting English influence).

French influence can be observed in medieval English literature, particularly in early works like "The Book of the Duchess" by Geoffrey Chaucer, demonstrating the lingering impact of Norman rule on language and culture.