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The Early Days of England: Paganism to Christianity

Explore the transition from Paganism to Christianity in early England, from Druid rituals to Roman conquest and Anglo-Saxon rule. Learn about Beowulf and the Epic Hero Cycle in this historic journey through England's past.

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The Early Days of England: Paganism to Christianity

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  1. The Early Days of England Too many ideas, too little land

  2. The Pagans (BC-1st Century) • Mostly farmers • Included Celts (Irish), Gauls (French), Britons (British) • These people were from Ireland, Wales, and England • They worshipped Pagan gods • Druids spent their time performing rituals, sacrifices, and memorizing long, mythical poems to preserve ideas of the past • They were the only people that could read and write during this time

  3. Stonehenge: One of the biggest henges in the world.

  4. Roman Conquest (1st Century-4th Century) The Romans conquered the region and ruled it well for over 300 years; brought peace Romans pushed Christianity on them, but in an interesting way which started Easter and Christmas After a time, the Romans left England to defend Rome A new group of Pagans called the Anglo Saxons then made their move on England

  5. The Anglo Saxons (5th-11th Centuries) A barbaric, Germanic style people Scared the Christian Celts into fleeing with their religion Ruled England for many years

  6. A Time of Trouble With the Gauls, Celts, Britons, and Anglo Saxons all in one area there was a lot of fighting Christians were able to further their own cause by helping to keep the peace Eventually, the area known as Briton became Christian once again.

  7. Where Does Beowulf Fit??? Beowulf was originally an oral poem Started by the Druids Originally told in Old English Not written down until after Christianity took a foothold in England Contained both Pagan and Christian Elements

  8. An Old English Sample imðaScyldgewat to gescæphwilefelahrorferan on freanwære.Hi hyneþaætbæron to brimesfaroðe,swæsegesiþas, swa he selfabæd,þendenwordumweold wine Scyldinga;leoflandfrumalangeahte. I shall bestow a single compliment to whoever first attempts to read that sample.

  9. Epic Hero Style LONG!!!! So long that it can’t be done in one sitting (Orally, remember) Tale of the tribe There’s a cycle to the story (life and death)

  10. The Epic Hero Cycle • A change • A test • Various mythical, human, or animal helpers • Main antagonist, usually supernatural • Magical unreal world that the hero can visit but normal humans cannot • An escape from the quest • Resurrection • Restoration What modern stories also fit this pattern? List a few.

  11. Modern Epic Hero Cycles

  12. Questions for Review How might Beowulf have been changed from the oral story told by the Druids to the written version by the Christians? What type of person might the Anglo Saxons consider to be a hero, based on their culture?

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