Vocabulary
descriptive compound words that evoke vivid images
What is a kenning?
This empire occupied Britain for around 400 years before leaving around 410 AD.
Who are the Romans?
Before converting to Christianity, early Anglo-Saxons held polytheistic beliefs and were known by this term.
What are Pagans?
In The Wanderer, the speaker grieves the loss of his lord, his fellow warriors, and this central community gathering place.
What is in the mead hall?
This final Anglo-Saxon king of the House of Wessex died in 1066 without a clear heir, triggering a succession crisis.
Who is Edward the Confessor?
two or more nearby words repeat the same initial consonant sound
What is an alliteration?
The three main Germanic tribes that migrated to Britain to form the Anglo-Saxons were the Angles, the Saxons, and this third group.
Who are the Jutes?
Days of the week like Wednesday (Woden’s Day) and Thursday (Thor’s Day) are named after these Anglo-Saxon figures.
What are pagan Gods?
Anglo-Saxons loved storytelling and poetry; their most famous epic hero who fought the monster Grendel is named this.
Who is Beowulf?
In 1066, Duke William of Normandy invaded England and won this legendary battle, effectively ending Anglo-Saxon rule.
What is the Battle of Hastings?
a break or pause in the middle of the verse line dividing it into two halves creating a rhythmic pause.
What is a caesura?
This massive stone fortification was built across northern Britain by the Romans to keep out northern tribes like the Picts.
What is Hadrian's Wall?
These centers of learning, prayer, and manuscript writing became the most important institutions following the conversion to Christianity.
What are monasteries?
Despite the harsh cold and dangerous waves described in The Seafarer, the speaker chooses to sail because he feels this spiritual or internal calling.
What is a longing for travel/adventure (or faith/devotion to God)?
The Normans were invaders who came from a region located in this modern-day country across the English Channel.
What is France?
a professional poet, minstrel, and tribal historian who composed and recited heroic songs
What is a scope?
The Anglo-Saxons came from northern European areas that are known today as Germany, Denmark, and this Scandinavian country.
What is The Netherlands (or Holland)?
Known as the "Father of English History," this famous Anglo-Saxon monk wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
Who is Bede (Venerable Bede)?
Who were the three opponents that Beowulf battled?
Who are Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon?
This famous 230-foot long embroidered cloth visualizes the events leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
Both The Seafarer and The Wanderer are examples of this poetic form—a sorrowful, reflective poem lamenting a loss or hard life.
What is elegy?
The Anglo-Saxons were able to take over Roman forts—such as Pevensey Castle—primarily because of this reason regarding Roman troops.
What is the Romans had withdrawn/abandoned the forts (leaving Britain undefended)?
Anglo-Saxon burial mounds (like Sutton Hoo) show that pagans believed the dead needed these items for the afterlife.
What are grave goods (weapons, jewelry, tools)?
What is lamenting?
After the Norman Conquest, Anglo-Saxon society changed dramatically due to the introduction of this land-holding social system brought by William the Conqueror.
What is Feudalism (the Feudal System)?