Anglo-Saxon Poetry
Anglo-Saxon poetry
The Anglo-Saxons were the population in Britain partly descended from the Germanic
tribes who migrated from continental Europe and settled the south and east of the island
beginning in the early fifth century A.D.. The Anglo-Saxon period denotes the period of English
history after their initial settlement through their creation of the English nation and up to the
Norman conquest. The Anglo-Saxons are revered for their literature and poems, still treasured
today. Just by reading their literature, we can get a good understanding of how ideas were
expressed back then. Their poems tell us about Anglo-Saxon culture, their views on Christianity,
and also their values.
Anglo-Saxon literature did not begin with books, but with spoken verse and songs or
poems such as epic poems. This is clearly demonstrated by the poem “The Wanderer.” The
purpose of these forms of literature was to pass along tribal history and values to a population
who could not read or write. Warriors would gather in mead halls where scops and their
assistants would recite poems or songs for hours or even days as a form of entertainment or
ceremonial occasions. These poems were made very catchy so they could easily be recalled and
as a result, retold. These poems, like in “The Wanderer,” contained alliteration and rhymes.
Anglo-Saxon literature, such as epic poems, also show the influence of Christianity and how they
presented their beliefs through writing.
After reading these samples of Anglo-Saxon literature, there is an apparent Christian
versus Pagan undertone. Christians believed in one God and in Heaven. Pagans believed in many
gods and in fate, which meant everything in life was predetermined and nobody had control over
it. These ideas were expressed in many Anglo-Saxon poems. In “The Dream of the Rood,”
Christianity is expressed very powerfully. Vivid imagery is included to demonstrate
The Anglo-Saxons were the population in Britain partly descended from the Germanic
tribes who migrated from continental Europe and settled the south and east of the island
beginning in the early fifth century A.D.. The Anglo-Saxon period denotes the period of English
history after their initial settlement through their creation of the English nation and up to the
Norman conquest. The Anglo-Saxons are revered for their literature and poems, still treasured
today. Just by reading their literature, we can get a good understanding of how ideas were
expressed back then. Their poems tell us about Anglo-Saxon culture, their views on Christianity,
and also their values.
Anglo-Saxon literature did not begin with books, but with spoken verse and songs or
poems such as epic poems. This is clearly demonstrated by the poem “The Wanderer.” The
purpose of these forms of literature was to pass along tribal history and values to a population
who could not read or write. Warriors would gather in mead halls where scops and their
assistants would recite poems or songs for hours or even days as a form of entertainment or
ceremonial occasions. These poems were made very catchy so they could easily be recalled and
as a result, retold. These poems, like in “The Wanderer,” contained alliteration and rhymes.
Anglo-Saxon literature, such as epic poems, also show the influence of Christianity and how they
presented their beliefs through writing.
After reading these samples of Anglo-Saxon literature, there is an apparent Christian
versus Pagan undertone. Christians believed in one God and in Heaven. Pagans believed in many
gods and in fate, which meant everything in life was predetermined and nobody had control over
it. These ideas were expressed in many Anglo-Saxon poems. In “The Dream of the Rood,”
Christianity is expressed very powerfully. Vivid imagery is included to demonstrate