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450-1066 AD
The Foundations of English Literary Tradition
Old English literature encompasses the surviving writings composed in the Anglo-Saxon language from the 5th century until the Norman Conquest of 1066. This body of work represents the earliest stage of English literature, offering profound insights into the culture, beliefs, and values of early medieval England. The approximately 400 surviving manuscripts reveal a sophisticated literary tradition that blended Germanic oral poetry with Christian learning, creating works of enduring power and beauty.
Anglo-Saxon migration patterns (5th century) - Public Domain
"The Anglo-Saxon poets sang of heroes and battles, of exile and homecoming, weaving together pagan traditions with the new Christian faith."
The Anglo-Saxon period began with the migration of Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) to Britain following the withdrawal of Roman forces in the early 5th century. These settlers brought with them a rich oral tradition of poetry and storytelling that would form the basis of Old English literature. The period saw the gradual conversion to Christianity beginning with Augustine's mission in 597 AD, which introduced literacy in Latin and the technology of book production.
Germanic tribes migrate to Britain, establishing several kingdoms. The poem Widsith provides the earliest mentions of many Germanic legends. [See translations]
Augustine arrives in Kent, establishing Canterbury as a center of Christian learning. The Ecclesiastical History by Bede later documents this period. [Read Bede's work]
Caedmon's Hymn is composed, the oldest surviving Old English poem. The Nowell Codex containing Beowulf is likely copied around this time. [Bilingual edition]
Alfred promotes English literacy and translation of Latin works, establishing the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. [Chronicle edition]
The sole surviving manuscript of Beowulf (Cotton Vitellius A.xv) is copied, along with other important texts like Judith. [Tolkien's translation]
The Battle of Hastings marks the end of Old English period, though Old English texts continue to be copied into the 12th century. [Hastings history]
The most famous work of Old English literature, this epic poem of 3,182 lines survives in a single manuscript dated to around 1000 AD.
Standard poetic form using repeated initial sounds rather than rhyme, with four stressed syllables per line.
Metaphorical compound phrases like "whale-road" for sea or "battle-light" for sword.
Emphasis on courage, loyalty to one's lord, and fame after death.
Blending of Germanic pagan traditions with Christian theology.
First continuous national history in a European vernacular language, maintained from Alfred's reign until 1154.
Works like Caedmon's Hymn and The Dream of the Rood adapt heroic traditions to Christian themes.
Poems like The Wanderer and The Seafarer explore themes of exile and transience.
"The Old English poets looked at the world with clear eyes, and what they saw they recorded in language of stark and somber beauty."
