Old English

Old English

The earliest chapter in the history of British literature unfolds during the Old English period, a time marked by the arrival and settlement of Germanic tribes – the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes – in Britain, commencing around 450 AD. This era concluded with the pivotal Norman Conquest of 1066, a watershed moment that dramatically altered the course of English history and language. Initially, the literary tradition of the Anglo-Saxons was primarily oral, with stories, poems, and histories composed, memorised, and transmitted through performance by scops, highly respected poets within their society. These oral traditions were deeply ingrained in the culture, with techniques such as formulaic language and stock phrases aiding in memorisation and recitation.

A fundamental shift occurred with the introduction of Christianity in the 6th century, a development that profoundly influenced the themes and eventually the very form of literary expression. The conversion brought with it literacy, cultivated and maintained by the church, leading to the gradual transcription of previously oral works and the creation of new religious texts. This transition from an oral to a written tradition is a defining characteristic of the period, influencing the types of narratives that were preserved and the methods employed in their composition. Moreover, the literature of this era often reflects a fascinating blend of the existing pagan Germanic traditions and the newly adopted Christian values. This cultural syncretism shaped the themes, imagery, and overall worldview expressed in Old English literary works.

Old English poetry is characterised by several key stylistic features, most notably alliterative verse, where lines are linked by the repetition of initial consonant sounds. Another common feature is the use of kennings, metaphorical compound words used in place of common nouns, such as "whale-road" for the sea. The major genres of Old English literature include heroic epic poetry, which celebrates the deeds of warriors and embodies the Germanic heroic code of loyalty, bravery, and honor; religious poetry, adapting Christian themes and subjects such as the lives of saints and biblical narratives; prose works, including sermons, saints' lives, biblical translations, and historical chronicles; and poetic riddles, showcasing a delight in wordplay and ambiguity. The formulaic nature of the poetry, with its reliance on stock phrases and epithets, not only reflects its oral roots but also served a practical purpose in facilitating memorisation and performance. Themes prevalent in Old English literature include heroism, loyalty to one's lord and kin, the concept of fate (wyrd), and the often elegiac contemplation of the transience of life.

Among the surviving works of Old English literature, Beowulf stands as the most renowned epic poem, telling the story of a heroic Geatish warrior who battles monstrous threats. Other significant poetic works include The Wanderer and The Seafarer, elegiac lyrics exploring themes of exile and loss, and The Battle of Maldon, a heroic poem commemorating a historical battle. The Dream of the Rood offers a unique perspective by presenting the crucifixion of Christ through the imagery of Germanic heroic tradition. While many Old English works remain anonymous, certain individuals like Cædmon, considered the first known Old English Christian poet, and Cynewulf are recognised for their contributions. King Alfred the Great played a pivotal role in the 9th century by promoting literacy and commissioning translations of important Latin works, such as Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy, into Old English, thereby contributing significantly to the development of English prose. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, initiated around the time of King Alfred, stands as a crucial prose work, providing a year-by-year historical account of events in Anglo-Saxon England for over three centuries. The identification of these early literary figures marks the nascent stages of individual literary voices within the broader tradition.

Beowulf

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that tells the story of a heroic Geatish warrior named Beowulf. The poem is generally divided into three main parts.

The first part sees Beowulf travelling to Heorot, the mead-hall of the Danish King Hrothgar, which is being terrorised by a monstrous creature named Grendel. Beowulf bravely fights and defeats Grendel in hand-to-hand combat, tearing off the monster's arm.

However, Grendel's vengeful mother then attacks Heorot, seeking retribution. Beowulf pursues her to her lair beneath a mere and, after a fierce battle, kills her as well, using a magical sword he finds there. He returns to Heorot a celebrated hero.

The second part of the poem takes place fifty years later. Beowulf has become the aged king of the Geats. His kingdom is now threatened by a furious dragon whose treasure has been disturbed by a thief. Driven by his heroic duty, Beowulf confronts the dragon in its lair.

In the ensuing battle, Beowulf manages to slay the dragon, but he himself is mortally wounded by its venomous bite.

The final part of the poem describes Beowulf's death and the mourning of his people. His loyal thane, Wiglaf, who was the only one to stand by him in the final fight, recounts Beowulf's bravery and laments his loss. The poem concludes with the construction of a grand funeral pyre for the fallen king, honouring his life and heroic deeds.

Beowulf explores themes of heroism, courage, loyalty, the struggle between good and evil, and the transience of life and glory. It's a foundational work of English literature, offering insights into the values and beliefs of Anglo-Saxon society.

Activity: Designing a modern-day monster

Phase 1: What Makes Grendel Scary? (10 mins)

• Group Chat (5 mins): Get into your groups of 3 or 4. First off, let's look at Grendel from Beowulf. What exactly makes him so terrifying? Think about how he looks, what he does, where he comes from, and how he affects people. What about him would frighten people back then, and maybe even now?

• Pick Your Points (5 mins): As a group, choose 2 or 3 main things about Grendel that make him scary. Decide who will share these points with the class. Make sure everyone in your group knows what you're sharing.

Phase 2: Design Your Modern Monster (15 mins)

• Brainstorm Modern Fears (5 mins): Now, forget Grendel for a minute. Think about what scares people today. What worries us about technology, the environment, society, or even just our own minds? Jot down some ideas.

• Create Your Beast (10 mins): Based on those fears, design your own monster for the modern world. Give it:

  • An Appearance: What does it look like?

  • Abilities: What can it do?

  • An Origin: Where did it come from (linked to modern fears)?

  • A Purpose (if it has one): Why does it do what it does?

  • How it makes people Fear it. Be creative! A quick sketch is fine if that helps.

Phase 3: Show and Tell (Remaining Time)

• Share Your Monster: Each group, share one or two of the best monsters you came up with. Explain what it is and which modern fear it's based on.

Simple as that. Let's get stuck in and see what frightful things you come up with!