anglo saxon or old english period in english literature

 

anglo saxon or old english period in english literature

Anglo Saxon or Old English period

• ·      The Anglo-Saxon period in Britain spanned around six centuries, from 410 to 1066 AD. Previously, the period was known as the Dark Ages. It is the first form of English literature. Most historians now use the words 'early middle ages' or 'early mediaeval period.'
• ·      It all began with the Angles and Saxons, two English ancestral groups. They were from the Swedish and Danish shores, and the territory they colonized was known as Engle-Land.
• ·      These tribes spoke English as a common language. Their native tongue was a combination of Latin and Roman. The English language was not particularly rich. It was taking shape.
•  They were fearless, daring, and courageous. They sung about battles, gods, and heroes at their feasts, just like other tribes.
• ·      Except for a few poems, the most of their poetry has been lost. The famous poem of the time was "Beowulf." It tells the story of Beowulf. He is the hero, champion and a monster killer.
• ·      They followed five great principals--- 

         love for womanhood 

         struggle for glory 

         love for personal freedom 

         responsiveness to nature and religion 

• ·      "Caedmon" and "Cynewulf" were two of the most influential religious poets of the time. Caedmon sung in a series the entire story of man's fate, from creation to fall to redemption and last judgement, and the scripture history inside this broad framework.
• ·      The beginning of English prose occurred during the Anglo-Saxon period. Alfred the Great was one of the two great pioneers of English prose. He was the famous king of Wessex.