anglo-saxon literature

Anglo-Saxon literature is almost wholly verse which was passed orally from generation to generation.Anglo-Saxon literature, also known as Old English, can be divided into two parts: pre-Christian period and post-Christian period.

The dominant genre of Pre-Christian period is epic poetry, and the most famous work of this period is "Beowulf" about which I will explain in next posts. The other famous poems of this period are "Deor", "The Wanderer", "The Seafarer", and other poems. In these works, a happy past is contrasted with a precarious and desolate present. The "Finnsburgh" fragment, "The Battle of Maldon", and "The Battle of Brunanburh", are among war poems which are all based on historical episodes, mainly celebrate great heroism.

Post-Christian period as it is obvious from the name is the period in which Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity.