Old English Flashcards
(14 cards)
When was the Old English period?
The Old English period lasted from 500 to 1066
In what century did the Anglo-Saxons invade England?
The Anglo-Saxons invaded England in the 5th and 6th centuries.
Explain how Old English Relates to dutch.
Old English and Dutch are both West Germanic languages, so they share similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and structure
How can you explain for the presence of both pagan and Christian elements in Old English literature?
The presence of both pagan and Christian elements in Old English literature reflects the transition from pagan beliefs to Christianity during that time.
What is the most important prose work of the period? What type of work is it?
The most important prose work of the period is “The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,” which is a historical record covering events from 891 to 1154.
What is typical of Old English poetry?
Old English poetry was often composed in alliterative lines with rhythm but with rhyme.
How were old English poems recited?
Old English poems were recited from memory by bards who often accompanied themselves on a harp.
Why might it have been important to make Old English poems easier to remember?
Making Old English poems easier to remember through regular rhythm and alliteration helped in oral transmission and preservation
Name the most important example of Old English poetry and who was the author?
The most important example of Old English poetry is “Beowulf,” and the author is unknown.
To what genre of poetry does this work belong?
“Beowulf” belongs to the epic genre, depicting the heroic deeds and adventures of its main character, Beowulf.
How old is the oldest copy?
The oldest copy of “Beowulf” dates back to close to AD 1000.
Anglo-Saxon
The Anglo-Saxons were Pagan and Germanic people who settled in England in the early Middle Ages, shaping the country’s culture and society
Pagan
people from non-abrahamic religions
Old English language
A Germanic language and related to Dutch, Frisian and German
