Anglo-Saxon Literature: An Introduction

Hareshwar Roy,


Anglo-Saxon Literature: An Introduction

Anglo-Saxon literature is the product of the culture of the Anglo-Saxon settlers. These Anglo-Saxon settlers arrived in Britain around the 5th century. Their literature offers a world vastly different from our own. It is a world of warriors and monsters and of fate and faith.
The language of this period is the earliest form of English. It is a Germanic language.The root of this language is related to the dialects spoken by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. It is this language that is the foundation of modern English. Several modern English words have have been taken from this Old English.
Anglo-Saxon literature has some important characteristics. These characteristics are as follows:
The maximum part of this literature was originally oral. It passed from one generation to the other. The orality of this literature influenced its style. Heroic Poetry was was a dominant genre of this literature. It depicted the deeds of warriors and their struggles against formidable foes. Beowulf is a prime example of it. It is one of the most famous works of Anglo-Saxon literature. Elegiac Poetry is also an important genre of this literature. This genre depicts loss, exile and the transience of life. Poems like The Wanderer and The Seafarer evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. Religious theme is also a dominant theme in Anglo-Saxon literature. With the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons into Christianity, religious themes became more important. The works of Cædmon and Cynewulf demonstrate the integration of Christian beliefs with Anglo-Saxon poetic traditions.
Beowulf is the most famous work of Anglo-Saxon literature. This epic poem tells the story of the Geatish hero Beowulf and his battles against monsters like Grendel and a dragon. It is a cornerstone of English literature. It provides valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon society and values. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a historical record that traces the history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. It's a crucial source for understanding this period.
Cædmon is an illiterate herdsman. According to Bede, Cædmon received the gift of song in a dream. His paraphrases of biblical stories are among the earliest examples of Old English Christian poetry.
Cynewulf is a later poet who signed his works with runic inscriptions. His poems, such as The Fates of the Apostles and Juliana blend Christian themes with Anglo-Saxon poetic techniques.
It is impossible to deny the influence of Anglo-Saxon literature on English literature and culture. It laid the foundatin for the English language and English literary tradition. Its themes and motifs are appreciated even today. From the heroic struggles of Beowulf to the elegiac reflections of The Wanderer Anglo-Saxon literature offers a glimpse of the minds and hearts of the people of those days.
Location: B-37, City Homes Colony, Jawahar Nagar Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India
Currently Dr. Roy is working as Professor of English at Govt. P.G. College Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He is the author of the following books: (1) Diasporic Articulation in the Novels of M.G. Vassanji (2) A Study of M.G. Vassanji 's Novels (3) Varieties of Indianity in the Works of M.G. Vassanji & Rohinton Mistry (4)Diaspora & Indian Diaspora: A Brief Study (5) Short Notes of English Literature - I (6) Short Notes of English Literature - II (7) हमार पहचान ह भोजपुरी - भोजपुरी कविता संकलन (8) हमरा प्यार हो गइल - भोजपुरी गज़ल संकलन (9) भोजपुरी कविताएँ

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