Anglo-Saxon History, Culture, and Beowulf Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering historical tribes, geography, Anglo-Saxon social structure, literary terms, Beowulf, and religious traditions.

Britons/Celts

The people who lived in Britain before and during Roman rule.

Picts

A people who lived mainly in northern Britain, in the area that became Scotland.

Romans

The people of the Roman Empire who invaded and controlled Britain beginning in 43 CE.

Iron Age in Britain

The period from about 800 BCE to 43 CE when Britons/Celts and Picts lived in Britain.

Angles

A Germanic tribe that migrated to Britain and helped form Anglo-Saxon England.

Saxons

A Germanic tribe from northern continental Europe that migrated to Britain.

Jutes

A Germanic tribe that migrated to Britain from an area around modern Denmark.

Anglo-Saxons

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who settled in Britain and developed Anglo-Saxon culture and kingdoms.

Great Britain

The island containing England, Scotland, and Wales.

Hadrian's Wall

A wall built by the Romans in northern Britain to defend the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Tribal Warrior Culture

A society where groups were organized around warriors and leaders, with loyalty and military service being very important.

King

A powerful ruler who led his people and depended on loyal warriors.

Lord

A powerful leader who protected and rewarded the warriors who served him.

Thane

A warrior or noble who served a king or lord.

Oath

A serious promise or pledge that someone is expected to keep.

Honor

Respect and reputation earned through brave, loyal, and honorable actions.

Fame/Glory

A lasting reputation earned through brave actions and achievements.

Comitatus

A system of mutual loyalty between a lord and his warriors.

Mead Hall

A central gathering place where the lord and warriors ate, drank, celebrated, listened to stories, and were entertained.

Mead

A drink made from fermented honey.

Riddle

A question or statement that is meant to be solved or interpreted.

Heorot

King Hrothgar's mead hall in Beowulf.

Scop

A traveling poet and entertainer who performed stories, poems, histories, and legends.

Oral Tradition

The passing of stories, history, and culture from generation to generation through speaking and listening.

Alliteration

The repetition of beginning consonant sounds in nearby words.

Epic Poem

A long narrative poem about a heroic figure that often includes dangerous adventures, supernatural elements, and important cultural values.

Epic Hero

A brave and exceptional character who faces extraordinary challenges but is still human.

Supernatural Elements

Creatures, events, or forces that go beyond what is naturally possible, such as monsters or dragons.

Beowulf

An Old English epic poem about a heroic warrior named Beowulf who battles supernatural enemies.

Wyrd

The Anglo-Saxon idea of fate or destiny—the belief that some events are determined by forces beyond human control.

Anglo-Saxon Paganism

A polytheistic religion involving multiple gods and supernatural beliefs.

Polytheistic

Believing in multiple gods.

Tiw

An Anglo-Saxon god whose name is connected to Tuesday.

Woden

An Anglo-Saxon god whose name is connected to Wednesday.

Thunor

An Anglo-Saxon god whose name is connected to Thursday.

Frige

An Anglo-Saxon goddess whose name is connected to Friday.

Missionary

A person who travels to spread or teach a religion.

Christian Monks

Literate religious people who copied and preserved written texts.