Anglo-Saxon Literature: History, Culture, and Key Works

Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Literature (449-1066)

Old English literature, also referred to as Anglo-Saxon literature, is dated between 449/600 (the invasion of Britain by the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) and 1100/1200 (the establishment of Norman rule). It is hypothesized that until the sixth century BC, the British Isles were inhabited by Iberians, and from the sixth to seventh centuries BC by Celts. It also represents the language, now known as Old English, that was spoken and written by Anglo-Saxons and their descendants in England.

This period was characterized by foreign invasions and internal struggles, resulting in the mixing of several races, languages, and cultures. Life was mostly centered on ancestral tribes or clans. Initially, people were warriors from invading outlying areas: Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Danes. Later, they became agricultural. At that time, people had a strong belief in fate and admired heroic warriors who prevailed in battle. Most Anglo-Saxons were farmers who lived in family villages. Since they lived close to the sea and big rivers, many Anglo-Saxons were also sailors. They built wooden ships with oars and sails for trade and to settle in new lands.

Oral tradition helped to unite people and their myths. The greatest Old English poem is a long epic called Beowulf, whose author is unknown.

After the Romans departed from the British Isles in 407 AD, fighting continued between the Picts and the Scots, who had lost their common enemy. The fifth century also saw conquests and the gradual occupation by Germanic tribes—Angles, Jutes, and Saxons—who had moved north to Scandinavia and from there to Britain. Apart from making conquests, these tribes preferred agricultural life, had strong family and tribal ties, and were very loyal to their king. The legendary King Arthur defeated the Saxons in 490 AD and halted their advance for about a decade.

At the end of the sixth century, the Anglo-Saxons accepted Christianity after Pope Gregory sent Saint Augustine to Britain in 597 AD. This gave rise to religious writings.

At the end of the eighth century, the Vikings (Danes) invaded the country, easily overcame the local inhabitants, and plundered their estates. It was not until the reign of King Alfred the Great that their advance was stopped. With the acceptance of Christianity, Danes partially blended in with the local people.

Alfred's successors, Edgar and Ethelred II, were followed in 1016 by the Danish King Canute, who reigned between 1016 and 1035. After his death, the empire fell apart, and Alfred's great-grandson, Edward, took over the throne. The fact that Edward had no descendants led to a power struggle between his brother-in-law, Harold, and Emma's nephew, William of Normandy. William's victory over Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 led to the Norman conquest and occupation of England, which then opened a new chapter in British history.