OLD ENGLISH
When did the Old English Period begin and end?
About 450–1066.
What was an important value in Pagan literature?
Courage.
What is the most famous Old English epic poem?
Beowulf.
What major event influenced the development of Middle English?
The Norman Conquest of 1066.
What type of story became very popular in the 12th–13th centuries?
Romance.
Which three Germanic tribes settled in Britain?
Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
What does “wyrd” mean?
Fate or destiny.
Is the author of Beowulf known?
Answer: No, the author is unknown.
Which language strongly influenced English after 1066?
Answer: French.
What were medieval romances often about?
Knights, battles, love, adventure, and chivalry.
What was the main form of early Old English storytelling?
Oral tradition.
Name two common themes of Pagan literature.
War and heroism.
Who is Beowulf's first famous monster enemy?
Grendel.
Which language was important in religion and education?
Answer: Latin.
Which legendary king became important in medieval literature?
King Arthur
What writing system was used by the Anglo-Saxons?
Runes.
What is a scop?
An Anglo-Saxon poet/storyteller who performed poems orally.
Name the three major enemies Beowulf fights.
Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon.
What happened to Old English grammar during the Middle English period?
Many grammatical endings were lost and grammar became simpler.
What group of knights is connected with King Arthur?
The Knights of the Round Table.
What event marked the end of the Old English Period?
The Norman Conquest of 1066.
What poetic technique was common in Old English poetry?
Alliteration.
What important themes can be found in Beowulf?
Heroism, loyalty, courage, honor, fate, and leadership.
What types of literature became popular during the Middle English period?
Romances, religious works, chronicles, and moral stories.
Name one important work or writer connected with this period.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, Layamon, King Horn, Havelok the Dane, or The Owl and the Nightingale.