The Anglo Saxon Period (449-1066)
Basics
Anglo Saxon Literature and The Epic
Vocabulary in Beowulf
- The Anglo Saxons were immigrants
- Period was filled with a lot of fighting
- Most were pagans, who believed in many gods until the middle of the 5th century
- Gods lend their names to the days of the week
Anglo Saxon Literature and The Epic
- Stories were told orally due to lack of literacy
- Provided moral support and instruction
- Anglo Saxons spoke Old English
- Epic poetry most common literature
- Beowulf is the most famous from this era
Vocabulary in Beowulf
- Atheling-An Anglo-Saxon prince or nobleman; especially : the heir apparent or a prince of the royal family
- Prosper - T o succeed in an enterprise or activity
- Hoard- A supply or fund stored up and often hidden away
- Mead- A fermented beverage made of water and honey, malt, and yeast
- Unscathed- Wholly unharmed, not injured
- Pyre- A heap of combustibles for burning a corpse as a funeral
- Disparage- To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle
- Fetters- Chains or shackles for the ankles or feet; something that serves to restrict or restrain
- Bolster-To support or prop up; to buoy up or hearten
- Incensed- To be extremely angry or infuriated at something unjust or wrong