Anglo-Saxon Literature

1. Anglo-Saxon Literature Old English Poetry From 7th century to 1066

2. Anglo-Saxon Poets • Twelve Anglo-Saxon poets were identified in Medieval sources • Works survive from only three: Caedmon, Bede, and Alfred the Great • Earliest known surviving work of an English poet is “Caedmon’s Hymn”

3. Cædmon • Earliest English poet; best known of the 12 poets; considered father of Old English poetry • Herdsman who later became a monk between AD 657-680 and a religious poet • Was first unable to write verse, but was given the power in a dream to compose and sing his verses

4. Legend of Caedmon He was afraid to sing in public due to a lack of musical talent, and shied away from occasions where he had to sing. After leaving a feast one night because he was too embarrassed to sing, he lay down in the pasture with the cattle to sleep. An angel appeared to him in a dream, calling him to sing. After refusing, he eventually decided to sing and when he did, he sang beautiful verses that had never been heard before. They were based on the story of creation and in the style of pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxon poetry.

5. How we know about Caedmon Another famous poet and monk, Bede, praised Caedmon for his ability in 8th century writings: "[t]here was in the Monastery of this Abbess a certain brother particularly remarkable for the Grace of God, who was wont to make religious verses, so that whatever was interpreted to him out of scripture, he soon after put the same into poetical expressions of much sweetness and humility in English, which was his native language. By his verse the minds of many were often excited to despise the world, and to aspire to heaven.”

6. “Cædmon’s Hymn” One of two candidates for the earliest surviving copy of Cædmon's Hymn is found in "The Moore Bede" (ca. 737) which is held by the Cambridge University Library . The other candidate is St. Petersburg, National Library of Russia.

7. “Caedmon’s Hymn” • Now [we] must honour • the guardian of heaven, • the might of the architect, • and his purpose, • the work of the father of glory • — as he, the eternal lord, • Established the beginning of wonders. • He, the holy creator, • first created heaven as a roof • for the children of men • Then the guardian of mankind • the eternal lord, the Lord almighty • afterwards appointed • the middle earth, • the lands, for men • Cædmon #13 Reading

8. Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry • Emphasis on God • Use of literary devices: Caesura—a break in the flow of sound in the middle of a line of poetry Kenning—a two-noun metaphor Ex. “guardian of heaven”

9. “Caedmon’s Hymn” • (Old English song: • Caedmon's Hymn)

10. Memorial to Caedmon at St. Mary’s Cathedral in North Yorkshire

11. Influence Today • In 1993, a Christian band decided to name themselves Caedmon’s Call after band members heard about the legend of Caedmon and read the poem all in the same week. They thought the name fitting. • Band members describe their music as “folk with world music and alternative rock.” They have produced 10 albums. Their song “Ten Thousand Angels” was featured on the finale of Grey’s Anatomy. Caedmon's Call: “Sing His Love” (Reading, not hymn, web site at bottom)