Short English literature summary by Alquin The Middle Ages of 3 A4 sheets. Without Anglo-Saxon Riddles and Robin Hood. In addition, two references are made to a clearer text in the book or a YouTube video.
Engels Alquin literature The Middle Ages
The early Middle Ages (450-1066)
- The Celts, Angles, Saxons and Jutes – Anglo-Saxons established several kingdoms on
British soil.
- At the start of the seventh century, almost all the kings adopted Christianity -> Latin
literature.
- Vikings started plundering wealthy monasteries in 793. They took advantage of the
fights between Anglo-Saxon kings -> vikings started settling, took a few thrones away.
- The Scandinavians, Anglo-Saxons en Normas kept fighting over the crown, when the
duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, seized throne -> Battle of Hastings 1066.
Sutton Hoo -> burial site/ship with many valuable objects
Koning Alfred van Wessex (849-899, king 871-899)
- Defeated the Danes, peace treaty with them, Anglo-Saxon army, fleet of ships etc
- Promoting education, religion and literacy -> Translation Latin texts into Old English
(also work from Bede)
Beda Venerabilis (672-735) -> masterpiece written by a monk named Bede
- About history of the Anglo-Saxon church -> combination politics, history and religion
- When seven moved to monastery, excellent student, becoming priest
- Only existing written source of information about the early history of Ireland/Wales
- King Oswald, king of all kingdoms of Britain -> humble, kind and generous
- Oswald’s hand and arm preserved in St. Peter’s church -> bishop ‘may this hand
never decay’. Due to generousity Oswald.
Beowulf (6th century?) -> oldest European text/poem written in common people’s language
- Writer unknown, only mediaeval copy is a manuscript from late 10th century, but
probably from some time in 6th century.
- Lines linked by alliteration.
- Hero is famous for fighting monsters. Begins with family history King Hrothgar.
Beowulf travels to Hrothgar’s home to kill the monster Grendel. Years later, he
tackles a dragon. The poem ends with Beowulf’s last fight, he dies from attacking
another dragon.
- Various translations are available, some in verse and others in prose
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (late 9th century – 12th century) -> annualised record of events
- Identity writers unknown (monks) -> impersonal, dry style -> eventually became
more detailed, informal, lively and personal omens (voortekens)
- Events from AD 1 till AD 1154, based on other materials, not only church matters
- William the Bastard was coming. So Earl Tostig came, but Earl Edwin drove him out of
the Humber. Tostig went to Scotland and became King Harald’s man.
- They went into the Humber again, but Earl Edwin fought against them and
fortunately our king Harold encountered them. Harald en Tostig died.
- Earl William made a castle and surprised King Harold. William killed Harold, his
brothers and good men.
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