Anglo Saxon literature was a crucial period in the literary development of England, emerging during the 7th century after Norman Conquest of 1066.
At this time, there were various forms of writing such as chronicles, religious writings and didactic works, poetry, romances and dramas. These served as primary sources for understanding people and their culture.
Aelfric
Before Chaucer, Aelfric was the most eloquent and prolific Anglo-Saxon author. This was due to the Benedictine Reform which transformed Anglo-Saxon church life during the tenth century. Motivated by dramatic changes in continental centers like Cluny or Fleury, these reformers restored monastic houses, built libraries, and organized schools in an effort to combat illiteracy.
Aelfric produced an impressive body of work, including sermons and saints’ biographies. He translated the first six books of the Bible, as well as providing glosses and translations of other parts of it.
He was an expert of English prose and wrote in what scholars now refer to as rhythmical prose. Recently, this daring form has re-defined as Anglo-Saxon poetry by a ground breaking study (Bredehoft 2005).
His writings encompassed various genres and periods. For instance, he published a comprehensive collection of saints’ lives that contained homilies on many notable saints. Additionally, he produced numerous exegetical commentaries on Scripture which were the first of their kind in Anglo-Saxon England.
Aelfric’s homilies
Aelfric’s homilies featured a stunning blend of prose and alliterative verse that both looked beautiful and had an impactful emotional effect. He used this technique to make his audience feel as if they had experienced firsthand the life and death of a saint.
It is no surprise that Aelfric’s work was so popular, as it provided readers with an opportunity to hear the gospel truths of Christianity. He used his sermons as a platform to educate, clarify complex ideas, and inspire enthusiasm among his audiences. As an accomplished communicator, his homilies often elicited enthusiastic responses from those whom he addressed.
Aelfric’s exegetical work was an especially influential and significant contribution to Anglo-Saxon literature, being the sole text of its type that deals specifically with the Bible. It served as both inspiration and knowledge for those of Anglo-Saxon descent as it sought to explain how to interpret scripture and comprehend spirituality and ethics surrounding them.
Scholars debate Aelfric’s exegetical and theological contributions, but his impact on Anglo-Saxon writing cannot denied. He widely regarded as the most significant Anglo-Saxon author of the eleventh century, and his work has been the subject of some of the most important literary studies over the last fifty years.
Wulfstan II
Archbishop Wulfstan II was an influential Anglo-Saxon figure who wrote several works in both Latin and English. His most renowned work, Sermo Lupi ad Anglos, recounts the effects of Danes’ invasion in England during the early eleventh century. Additionally, he drafted a law code for King Cnut of England which published during his reign.
He had a major role in the Anglo Saxon period, inspiring many major works that would come after. His homilies were widely popular and inspired many religious writers from England to other parts of the world.
Although the exact circumstances of his life remain obscure, there are numerous stories about him that tell different tales. Some suggest he was a monk while others assert, he was bishop. While these claims may or may not be accurate, they remain fascinating nonetheless.
Another intriguing story is the legend that he was a saintly man and could perform miracles at his tomb. These facts give us insight into the character of this renowned writer better.
Wulfstan is an iconic figure in Anglo Saxon history and literature, remembered to this day for his iconic Sermo Lupi ad anglos. However, he also produced other important works which still hold importance today.
Wulfstan takes great care in his sermons, taking time to ensure the message he conveys understood by everyone present. He does this in order for people to comprehend the reality of Earth’s current events and urges them to turn away from their sins and start living righteously.
Wulfstan not only wrote his homilies, but a variety of other works which remain influential to this day. Some examples include:
The Battle of Maldon
In 991, The Battle of Maldon fought near Maldon, Essex between a Viking-led Danish force and an Anglo-Saxon defense force. Before their encounter with Ealdorman Byrhtnoth at Maldon, Vikings had pillaged towns like Folkestone, Sandwich and Ipswich across England.
In the poem, Byrhtnoth depicted as both a warrior and patriot, his action contrasted to that of his adversaries, the Vikings. He stands as an inspirational hero who would rather die than allow his country to destroyed by invasion forces. Additionally, he represents English loyalty and fearlessness in facing off against their adversary with unwavering bravery.
As Keynes points out, The Battle of Maldon written amid a debate about how to respond to Viking invasions that had become entrenched in Anglo-Saxon politics. The church held an unfavorable view of warfare which it deemed contrary to Christian virtues such as humility and tolerance. Byrhtnoth on the other hand saw his fyrd (army forces of the English state) as necessary for safeguarding his kingdom against further invasion by enemies.
Byrhtnoth and his fyrd took up residence on Northey island, connected to mainland by a causeway only accessible at low tide and protected by salt marshes and mudflats around it. Unfortunately, Byrhtnoth had made the fatal mistake of allowing Vikings to cross this causeway into mainland territory.
This was a crucial mistake, as it allowed the Vikings to seize King Maldon and lead to his death. This event has an immense effect on Anglo-Saxon England, being evident in various aspects of their culture such as literature.
The Battle of Maldon is an iconic example of poetry’s power to transform a single event into an iconic representation of a nation’s character and ideals. In this instance, it profoundly affected how Anglo-Saxons perceived themselves and their enemies for centuries to come.
The Chronicle
The Chronicle of Anglo Saxon Literature is an extensive compilation of manuscript records that chronicles England in the early Middle Ages. It likely started by King Alfred of Wessex around 890 and kept alive until 1154.
The chronicle was an essential part of Anglo Saxon literature and has been used for centuries as a source of historical knowledge. It provides accounts of all tribes living in England, their histories, as well as information on kings and their reigns.
In addition to being an invaluable source for historians, The Chronicle is also renowned for its use of alliterative verse style. This type of poetry was common in Anglo Saxon literature and has since considered one of the most influential genres in English literature.
Though the Anglo-Saxons were fierce warriors, they still held a deep affection for home and family. This sentiment could seen in their poetry as well as how they depicted their struggles – examples include Beowulf and The Fight at Finnesburg.
Furthermore, the Anglo-Saxons were renowned for their warrior skills and love of hunting. This combined with an appreciation of nature created a unique combination of savagery and sentimentality in their writing.
Anglo Saxon literature is unique
Anglo Saxon literature is unique in that it written using Old English, the popular vernacular of the time. Though replaced by Anglo-Norman after 1066, Old English’s influence on writing remained; antiquarian writers throughout this period looked to Old English as a model for their own literary traditions, making it an integral component of Anglo Saxon literature.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is an extensive and significant piece of literature that provides a detailed history of England during the Middle Ages. Composed of multiple manuscripts, it includes information on all tribes that lived in England as well as significant events that took place over time.
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