English history 3

Normans

Germanic, Scandinavian people who invaded Northern France and later England.

Normandy

Region in France where the Normans settled.

The Norman Conquest

The 1066 invasion and takeover of England by William the Conqueror.

William the Conqueror

Leader of the Norman invasion of England who became its king.

Feudalism

A system that replaced the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy, based on land ownership and service.

King

The master in the feudal system, at the top of the hierarchy.

Barrons and Lords

Landowners who serve the king and are above knights in the feudal hierarchy.

Knight

A vassal who serves a lord and fights for them.

Serfs

Lowest class in the feudal system who worked the land.

Anglo-Norman

The Norman dialect of French that became the official language after the conquest.

Middle English

Language that emerged after 1200, mixing English with French.

Old English

The precursor to Middle English, characterized by its rougher phonetics.

The Danish Invasion

The 8th-century invasion of England by Vikings from Denmark and Norway.

King Alfred

King of Wessex who defended England against the Danes and promoted education.

Alfred the Great

King known for his military success and contributions to literacy and education.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

A historical record of events written during the reign of Alfred the Great.

Caedmon

An illiterate shepherd who became the first Christian poet.

Cynewulf

Another notable poet from the Old English period.

Pagan elements

References to pre-Christian beliefs and values found in early English poetry.

Didactic poetry

Poetry that serves to teach or instruct, often using moral lessons.

Kenning

A compound metaphor used in Old English poetry.

Riddles

Short poems often incorporating kenning and riddle-like qualities.

The Medieval Period

Divided into Old English/Anglo-Saxon (450-1066) and Middle English (1066-1485).

Roman Influence

The cultural, architectural, and religious influence of Roman rule in Britain.

Celtic Inhabitants

The original inhabitants of Britain before the Roman invasion.

Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy

The division of Britain into seven kingdoms by Anglo-Saxon tribes.

Heroic ideal

The code of behavior embodying strength, courage, and loyalty as seen in epics.

Epic Poetry

Narrative poems detailing the heroic deeds and values of legendary figures.

Oral tradition

The practice of passing down stories and history through spoken word rather than written.

Alliteration

The repetition of consonant sounds in poetry, used to aid in memorization.

Cacophony

Harsh, discordant sounds found in some Old English words.

Anonymity in poetry

The tradition of poets not signing their works, focusing on the story itself.

Old English poetry characteristics

Features include influence from Christianity and limited literacy.

Bede

The first historian of the English people, known for his Ecclesiastical History.

597 A.D.

The year marking the beginning of the conversion to Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England.

Saint Augustine

Missionary sent by Pope Gregory to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.

Latin alphabet

The writing system taught to the Anglo-Saxons for reading religious texts.

“Grendel”

A monster in the epic poem Beowulf that terrorizes King Hrothgar's hall.

Heroic actions

Actions characterized by bravery and valor, commonly found in hero stories.

Minstrel

A poet or musician who entertained and preserved historical events in verse.

Scop

The primary minstrel who could compose and recite poetry in the Anglo-Saxon culture.

Gleeman

A secondary minstrel who sang and played musical instruments.

The importance of heroic acts

Heroic deeds were necessary for achieving eternal fame and glory in Anglo-Saxon culture.

Legacy of the Anglo-Saxons

Their cultural contributions, including language, literature, and societal structure.

Manuscripts

Written texts that were costly and thus made oral traditions prevalent.

Oral transmission

The spoken communication of stories, especially before widespread literacy.

Viking raids

Incursions by Scandinavian warriors that significantly impacted England's history.

Educational contributions of Alfred

He established schools and encouraged the writing of English literature.

Religious texts in Latin

Written works used by the Anglo-Saxon Church, reflecting Christian beliefs.

Prose vs. Poetry

Old English prose was heavily influenced by Christianity, while poetry often retained pagan elements.

Literary language

Language used by the upper and ruling classes, often French during the Norman rule.

Historical context of Beowulf

A significant epic within Old English literature depicting heroism and conflict.

Cultural impact of Roman withdrawal

After 410, Britain faced invasions and the emergence of Anglo-Saxon control.

The significance of the Church

Played a major role in shaping literacy and education during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Social hierarchy in Feudalism

A structured society with clear divisions of power and obligations.

Translation efforts

King Alfred promoted the translation of texts from Latin to Old English.

The unification of tribes

Different Anglo-Saxon tribes eventually merged to form a political landscape.

Christian conversion of Anglo-Saxons

The significant religious transformation initiated by missionaries.

Influence of the Anglo-Saxon era

Established the foundations of modern English language and cultural identity.

Use of runes

The alphabet used by the Anglo-Saxons, primarily for limited writing.

Pagan virtues in epics

Heroic values that were often infused with Christian morals in literature.

Revival of written culture

Alfred's reign marked the beginning of significant written English literature.

Cultural shift to Wessex

Under Alfred, the cultural and educational center of England moved to Wessex.

Epic genre

A narrative form focusing on heroic characters and grand themes.

Survival of Old English poetry

Continued oral traditions upheld the rich heritage of English literature.

Battle of Hastings

The decisive 1066 battle leading to Norman dominance in England.

The social contract in feudalism

Master-subject relationships built on loyalty and service.

Impact of the Vikings

Their invasions caused significant turmoil and cultural exchanges in England.

Literacy in the Church

Limited literacy primarily among churchmen, influencing the production of literature.

Grim atmosphere in poetry

Themes often reflect harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death.

Cultural blend in Middle English

The coexistence and synthesis of Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and languages.

Oral poetry's characteristics

Retained features such as repetition, kinnings, and alliteration.

The role of the epic hero

Embodies societal values and ideals in their quests and battles.

The historical function of the minstrel

Preserved accounts of events and maintained cultural memory through poetry.

Alfred's educational reforms

Set the foundation for literacy and cultural revival in post-invasion England.

The lasting influence of Anglo-Saxon legacy

Shaped the English language, literature, and cultural identity for centuries.

Anglo-Saxon literature themes

Focus on heroism, loyalty, and the struggles of life.

End of the poetic period

With Alfred's reign, prose began to dominate English literature.

Dark and serious tone in poetry

Often reflects the somber realities of life and the challenges faced by heroes.

William the Conqueror's legacy

Established a new class structure and strong influence on the English language.

Viking cultural contributions

Their raids led to significant cultural exchanges and the evolution of English literature.

The significance of the church in history

Had a profound influence on literacy, education, and the cultural landscape.

Anglo-Saxon epic characteristics

Heroic narratives that intertwine with Christian elements and moral lessons.