Anglo Saxon Literature:
The literature from this period comes from the middle of the 5th century to the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is written in Anglo Saxon (Old English). This period encompasses roughly 600 years. The subgenres are epic poetry, hagiography, sermons, bible translations, legal works, chronicles, riddles, and others. Two poetic figures commonly found in Old English poetry are the Kenning, an often formulaic phrase that describes one thing in terms of another, e.g. in Beowulf, the sea is called the swan's road and Litotes, a dramatic understatement employed by the author for ironic effect. There are not many works that survived this period and although we know that oftentimes these poems were sung orally in front of crowds and even had harps playing, we are unsure of other oral traditions that may have existed.
Some of the most important works of this period are:
Beowulf
(Epic, Heroic Poem)- Beowulf was written by an unknown Anglo-Saxon poet around 700 a.d. The story takes place 200 years earlier then that in 500 A.D. and it is believed that many of the characters (namely the royal families) correspond to actual historical people. Only one manuscript of the work survived the anglo-saxon era and was not widely read or distributed. It was nearly lost in the 1700’s due to a fire and was not heavily read or distributed until the 19th century.
Summary:
Beowulf, a great warrior sails to Denmark to fight a demon called Grendel to help King Hrothgar of Denmark save his kingdom. Beowulf defeats the monster with his bare hands and is seen as a hero by the king and citizens of the land. Beowulf then defeats Grendel’s mother who wishes to avenge her son’s death Beowulf goes to return to his home in Geatland. He is greeted by the king and queen and hands over most of his riches to them. Beowulf lives back in Geat and are greatly rewarded for his accomplishments. When the King and King’s son die Beowulf ascends the thrown and takes over the land. As Beowulf ages his kingdom is compromised by a fierce dragon who was disturbed by citizens. Beowulf decides to fight the dragon because his life is almost over and he feels he owes it to his people to defeat one more monster. Beowulf with the help of an aid defeats the dragon but dies by a venomous bite. His body is burned and buried overlooking the sea.
Characters
Beowulf- Geatish Warrior who slays dragons and monsters and helps his lands prosper. He is boastful of his accomplishments and Is thought of a strong and fearless warrior.
Grendel- Monster that Beowulf defeats to help restore order to Denmark. The slaying of Grendel sets Beowulf’s persona of a fearless and strong warrior.
Grendel’s Mother- Comes back to avenge Grendel’s death by killinCVg one of the King’s most important Advisors. Beowulf in turn defeats her and returns with Grendel’s severed head as a trophy
King Hrothgar – Danish King who Beowulf goes to help. He is greatful to Beowulf and treats him as a son.
Hygelac – King of Geat and Beowulf’s uncle.
The Dragon- The final battle that Beowulf wins, but loses his life in the process.
Caedmon’s Hymn-
A nine line poem written by Caedmon an English poet (the earliest known English poet). The poem praises god and uses alliteration. It is believed to be one of the earliest examples of Old English poetry and is believed to be one of the earliest examples of written Germanic language.