Old English

Literature

The Origins of English

Culture and Values
 ENGLAND

The present English Literature is based on the

language of the Anglo-Saxons.

In the fifth century A. D., several tribes landed in England…

 KING ALFRED THE GREAT (871-910)

- Established a system of education and made Winchester a

center for scholars and writers.
- Caused many Latin books to be translated into English for the
people.
- Started the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles

The Anglo-Saxon period was brought to a

close by the Norman Invasion in 1066, a
century after King Alfred’s death.
ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLES
- Oldest account of English history written in
English which recorded national history
yearly as it occurred.
 EPIC
A long poem that narrates the
deeds and adventures of
heroic or legendary figures.
MANIFESTING HEROISM

Considering your age and your lack of superpowers, how would you respond to the
given situations?

1. Typhoon, flood, Philippine flag is floating in raging

floodwater.
2. A classmate is being bullied, helping may subject you
to same bullying.
3. A handicapped is crossing the street, unguarded.
4. An old lady who is standing inside a moving bus.
KENNINGS- a figure of speech in which two
words are combined in order to form a poetic
expression that refers to a person or thing.

whale-road-sea

Consists of two nouns side by side combined using hyphens so that

they form a single unit known as a compound word.

Implied simile
(The sea is like a road of whales.)

MODERN KENNINGS:

Couchpotato
(a lazy person)
MILLENNIAL KENNINGS Assignment:

Practice your linguistic creativity by forming kennings. Add another word to

each of the given words; the combination may stand for another noun.

1. Monster + _______=
2. Heaven + ________ =
3. Sky + ____________ =
4. Traffic + _________ =
 BEOWULF

- Longest and earliest surviving piece of Anglo-

Saxon.
- An Anglo-Saxon poem based on the ancient
traditions which the Anglo-Saxons brought
from their home continent.
 Guide Questions:
1. What details show the strength of Grendel? His evil designs? Read
phrases in the story to support your answer.
2. What details show that Grendel did not find it easy to overcome
Beowulf?
3. How did Beowulf overcome the frightful monster?
4. Which do you think was the hardest of Beowulf’s three adventures? Give
reasons for your answers.
5. What outstanding traits made Beowulf a hero?