Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Surprisingly, the average person knows very little about Anglo-Saxon culture as well as Norse mythology, despite that fact that traditions, customs, and figures from these cultures permeate all aspects of modern society. From religious practices to pop culture, bits and pieces of Norse and Anglo-Saxon culture impact our daily lives. One of the greatest English Epics is Beowulf. Written in 9th century England, the text describes that tale of a mighty warrior who travels far and wide to defeat…

Although Christianity dominated the Anglo Saxon lifestyle, paganism was a present reality still being practiced. Paganism is a religion based on animism, or the belief that spirits resided in everything ("What Is Paganism?”). Pagans often worshipped multiple Gods, sacrificed animals and other commodities, and loved feasting and participating in festivals. An individuals destiny, fate, and glory were all important to Anglo Saxon’s in that they believed that immortality could be earned through…

is a testament to the successes of the society that produced the hero. The ideals such as interlacing and comitatus that were so highly regarded by the society were the main factors in the successes of the Anglo Saxon people. The ideal of comitatus that permeates various aspects of Anglo Saxon society is indicative of the society in which a character such as Beowulf would have existed. Comitatus is a mutual relationship in which loyalty and respect carry between a man and his leader. In this…

The reason why the Anglo-Saxons have a disdain for Grendel is because of his lineage. Grendel is a descendant of Cain. After Cain slayed his brother, Abel, God cursed him. According to the Anglo-Saxons, Grendel was in Cain’s lineage. That is why Grendel hated the God that he did not believe in. Yet, despite Grendel’s defiance against the Shaper and the Anglo-Saxon beliefs, he actually longs to be with the community. Grendel confesses, “Yet…

importantly, Beowulf demonstrates every single one of the Anglo Saxon’s morals and values that they attempted to live by on a daily basis. He is brave and is revered for his great achievements. Bravery and honor were extremely significant attributes among the Anglo Saxon people. Also, loyalty was a trait they perceived to be of the utmost importance among the warriors of their culture. In addition to the concept of loyalty, Anglo Saxons also valued reputation. A warrior’s reputation was…

What is it to be considered a hero according to the Anglo Saxons? What qualities must one obtain? What are some ways that you can demonstrate a heroic deed during this time? Lastly, what are the roles that each gender plays to demonstrate the roles that are given to them? Back in the 6th century, the roles of of men, women and children differ from those of today. The men were to be the heroes, have control, fight in battles, lead the kingdom. The women were to obey the men’s judgement, sustained…

The Anglo-Saxons lived around the belief that you had to be courageous and strong in battle. Humans had the power to manipulate individuals through spells. The importance of family was also present. If someone were to be killed in battle, it was up to the family to find means to cope with the loss, through revenge and even payment from the killer. The Anglo-Saxons also believed in the idea of “fate” but try to eliminate their own fate by means of force and pride. The Greek views toward the…

Beowulf is an epic hero and an Anglo- Saxon hero for many different reasons. Other than Beowulf being the central character and presenting himself larger than life, he also is the definition of a hero. When one defines a hero with the values of Anglo- Saxons, the hero would be defined as a man with extraordinary qualities, be honorable, and show bravery. The hero would also have a sense of duty, which in this case means being devoted to one’s people. Beowulf is shown as a hero with…

from places to places to perform on stage. We also do know the exact location where the poem was written. It was written in England along with the Anglo Saxon Civilization. The language of this time was known as English which is way different from our modern day English. By the time, this piece of literature was written, the people of the Anglo Saxons converted the poem into Christianity. Religion is also identified in this poem with its history and…

just warriors, they were farmers, artists, shipbuilders and innovators”, as well as a host of other vocations. Despite a quarter of the modern Orkney genome appearing to come from Norwegian Vikings, the lack of Danish DNA in modern descendants of Anglo-Saxons despite their long campaign, suggests the original belief of Viking barbarity was not as true as previously thought, because if there was as much rape as claimed, there would have been some trace of it in these modern genetics. The Vikings…