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What is Old English Period?
The Old English Period represents a pivotal phase in English literary history. It started around the year 450 and went on until 1066. This period is sometimes called the Anglo-Saxon period. The main language used in writing during this time was Old English. That is very different from the English we use today. During this time, literature mostly came from stories told out loud. These stories were about heroes, battles, and also about Christian ideas. People didn’t write them down at first; they passed them from person to person by speaking them.
Major Authors of The Old English Period
- Cædmon: Cædmon is one of the earliest identified English poets. He is known for “Cædmon’s Hymn,” which is one of the oldest surviving examples of English poetry. According to Bede, Cædmon was an illiterate herdsman who received the gift of poetry from God in a dream. To learn more visit > Cædmon
- Cynewulf: Cynewulf is another known poet from this period, identified as the author of several Old English religious poems. His works include “Christ II” (also known as “The Ascension”), “Juliana,” “The Fates of the Apostles,” and “Elene.” To learn more visit > Cynewulf’s poetry
- Alfred the Great: While not primarily known as a writer, King Alfred the Great is credited with promoting the use of English and initiating the translation of many important Latin texts into Old English. This contributed significantly to the development of English prose. To learn more visit > Alfred the Great
- Aldhelm: Aldhelm was an Anglo-Saxon scholar, poet, and ecclesiastical writer. He wrote both in Latin and Old English and was known for his religious and scholarly works. To learn more visit > Aldhelm
- Bede: Also known as the Venerable Bede, he was a monk, scholar, and theologian. Bede wrote “The Ecclesiastical History of the English People,” a key source for understanding early English history, though this work was written in Latin. To learn more visit > Bede (the Venerable Bede)
- Anonymous – Many works from the Old English period are anonymous, including some of the most famous:
- “Beowulf“ – An epic poem recounting the heroic deeds of Beowulf, battling monsters and dragons. It is the most celebrated example of Old English literature.
- “The Exeter Book” – A manuscript anthology of poetry, including “The Wanderer,” “The Seafarer,” and “Wulf and Eadwacer.”
- “The Junius Manuscript” – Contains four major biblical poems, including “Genesis,” “Exodus,” “Daniel,” and “Christ and Satan.”
- “The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle” – A collection of annals chronicling the history of the Anglo-Saxons, likely begun on the initiative of Alfred the Great
Notable Works of the Old English Period
The Anglo-Saxon Period, produced several notable works that are crucial to the study of early English literature. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- “Beowulf”: This is perhaps the most famous and celebrated piece of Old English literature. “Beowulf” is an epic poem that tells the story of its eponymous hero, Beowulf, a warrior who battles the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a dragon. The poem explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. To see the Analysis of Beowulf visit > Beowulf Study
- “The Seafarer”: This is an elegiac poem found in the Exeter Book, one of the few surviving collections of Old English poetry. It reflects on the hardships of life at sea and the transient nature of life, blending Christian and pagan elements. Learn more in The Seafarer Study
- “The Wanderer”: Also found in the Exeter Book, “The Wanderer” is a poem that speaks about themes of loss, exile, and the search for wisdom. It portrays a solitary figure reflecting on past glories and the loss of his lord and companions. Learn more in The Wanderer Study.
- “The Wife’s Lament”: This is another poem from the Exeter Book. It is unique in its female perspective, presenting a narrative of a woman who laments her separation from her husband and her isolation.
- “Wulf and Eadwacer”: This is a short, somewhat enigmatic poem from the Exeter Book, which is often interpreted as a lament by a woman for a lost lover, possibly set against a backdrop of tribal warfare.
- “Caedmon’s Hymn”: Attributed to Caedmon, an illiterate cowherd who miraculously received the gift of poetic composition from God, this hymn is one of the earliest examples of Christian poetry in Old English and a remarkable example of religious verse. To read more, visit Caedmon’s life.
These works are not only important for their artistic merit but also for their insights into the culture, language, and social norms of the Anglo-Saxon period in England. They offer a window into a world that was on the cusp of profound changes, both linguistically and culturally.