Dec 30, 2015
Origins of a Nation
• Early Britain inhabited by Celts, also known as Britons
• Discovered by the Romans, led by Julius Caesar in 55 BC
• 100 years later Roman army returned and introduced Roman culture and Christianity - lasted 300 years
Dun Aengus - prehistoric Celtic fort
Battle shield
Anglo-Saxons
• Germanic tribes from northern Europe invaded in 449 AD
• Main part of Briton came to be known as Angle-land
Vikings
• Invaders from Denmark and Norway in 790 AD • Defeated by Alfred the Great 878 AD
Spread of Christianity
• Pagan religion: wyrd/fate• Christianity offered hope of eternal happiness • Monasteries became centers of intellectual,
literary, artistic, and social activity
Epic: a long poem that praises the deeds of a heroic warrior
• Reflected the brutality of lifetold in mead halls by scops in the oral tradition
• Entertainment, history lesson ,moral sermon and pep talk
• Taught how true heroes should behave • As Christianity spread, stories were written
down by missionaries
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
• Noble birth or high social position • Exhibits character traits that reflect the
important ideals of society • Performs courageous, sometimes superhuman
deeds • Performs actions that often determine the fate
of a nation
Conventions of an Epic
• Setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation
• Plot is complicated by supernatural beings • May involve a long, dangerous journey • Dialogue includes long formal speeches • Themes reflect timeless values such as good and
evil or life and death. • Style includes formal diction and a serious tone