English test 1

10th grade

The Anglo-Saxon period lasted from approximately the years…

500-1100

What major historical events bookended this era?

• the withdrawal of the Romans from Britain

• the Norman invasion in 1066

What historian was called the father of history?

The Venerable Bede

What key Anglo-Saxon burial site is in southwestern England?

Sutton Hoo

What is the burial sight known for?

• ship burial

• helmet

What is the bond of the Anglo-Saxon society which was central to the heroic outlook and tribal life?

comitatus

What was one of their highest virtues?

loyalty

If one were cast out of their tribal group what was the result?

wandering and exile

What mythology are the Anglo-Saxons linked to?

norse mythology

Midgard translates to…

middle-earth

What is Midgard known as?

• swiftly passing time

• the battleground of good and evil

What worldview or mindset is evident in their literature?

fatalism

What is the translation for fate in Old English?

Wyrd

What is the heroic ideal? (the super simple def)

a personal code of behavior for hero’s, and a mirror showing what society values as a hero or warrior

What are the two tensions that arose in society as a result as a conversion to Chrisitanity?

• Christian vs. Pagan

• oral culture vs. literate culture

How many extant manuscripts of Anglo-Saxon literature do we have?

4

What are called windows to the Anglo-Saxon world? (8th century)

riddles

Where did the original events of Beowulf take place?

Scandinavia

When was Beowulf compsosed?

515-520

What is the date for the Beowulf manuscript?

700-750

Why do we study Beowulf?

its the longest and greatest Anglo-Saxon poem extant