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Anglo-Saxon Notes

Early History of England. The island was originally inhabited by Celtic tribes from Central Asia prior to the invasion by the Romans c. 50-100CE .The Romans brought architecture, art, "civilization," Christianity and most important, literacy. They founded the cities that are today London (then Londinium) and Wincester, but during the fall of the Roman Empire c. 450-500 CE, the Romans left behind the Celtic tribes. This left the natives open to attacks from the neighboring Picts (from what is 13

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Anglo-Saxon Notes

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    1. Anglo-Saxon Notes History & Literary Techniques

    2. Early History of England The island was originally inhabited by Celtic tribes from Central Asia prior to the invasion by the Romans c. 50-100CE . The Romans brought architecture, art, "civilization," Christianity and most important, literacy. They founded the cities that are today London (then Londinium) and Wincester, but during the fall of the Roman Empire c. 450-500 CE, the Romans left behind the Celtic tribes. This left the natives open to attacks from the neighboring Picts (from what is today Scotland) and Jutes (a Germanic tribe).  The Celts called for help from the Angles and Saxons, tribes from the area that is the modern Germany - Denmark area.  The Angles and Saxons saved the Celts, but then turned against them and settled in England, becoming the Anglo-Saxons who lived in Angle-Land (-- England).  Between the 9th & 10th centuries, invaders from the north conquered much of England (The Vikings) Only Alfred the Great remained as the Saxon king; he brought renewed interest in literature and the Saxon culture to Wessex and the South of England

    3. The Anglo-Saxons Literacy These new invaders brought with them their traditional folklore. Mostly stories/tales passed down orally. Included long epics. Religion While the Romans brought Christianity to the land, it was not until around 650 CE that England was fully Christianized The native religions were dominated by the earth-based religion Druidism, but there were a number of smaller traditions being practiced.

    4. Anglo-Saxon Literature Lyrical Used to express emotions Brief musical Elegiac Formal lament for the dead Heroic Representative of the praised qualities of the culture (i.e. strong, fearless, loyal, etc.) Battle Represent an important event, warrior life Riddles Charms, chants, rituals, religious

    5. Anglo-Saxon Literature Poetry Heroic behavior is praised  Almost no romantic love  An overall effect to formalize and elevate language, often through the use of literary devices.  For instance:  Synecdoche: a part used to express the whole, or vice versa.  Ex: 50 sails=50 boats  Metonymy: the naming of a person, institution, or human characteristic by some object or attribute with which is closely associated. Ex: Crown, Majesty= Ruler  kenning: a compound of two words in place of another. Ex: whale-road=sea, loaf-giver = king, life-house = body  litotes: ironic understatement; an emphatic expression through an ironic understatement. Ex: “he's no beauty." 

    6. Anglo-Saxon Hierarchy King (ring-giver) A synonym for “generosity” Leaders were admired for their generosity to loyal subjects Earls (thanes or free warriors) Claimed kinship to founder of tribes expected to be loyal Freemen (genlats) Independent landowners Churls Boundmen who trace ancestry to former captives of tribe; responsible for hard labor SLAVES (thralls)

    7. Anglo-Saxon Life Warrior life (below are traits admired in warriors) Good sportsmanship Endurance Loyalty to king Athletic prowess Bravery Respect for each other Action & fighting Social life Mead Hall: the King’s gathering place Drank mead (mead- fermented liquor made from honey) Boisterous antics Fighting Boasts of great exploits Poor table manners Told stories and riddles

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