Anglo Saxon Poetry

What exists of Anglo-Saxon literature today was recorded by Christian scribes after the 7th century, and includes epic poetry, charms and riddles, as well as sermons, biblical stories, the biographies of saints and chronicles. Though it was originally only performed by professional singers as well as laymen, the elegiac qualities of the poetry still attract readers. The best known epic and longest work in Old English is the story of the geatish hero Beowulf, whose life the poet situates between bravery, fate and god’s will. However, the numerous shorter poems also present a peculiar mixture of pagan and Christian elements. Marked by their unique diction and form, they celebrate heroes, common men and saints alike, and attempt to align the contradictive worldviews of heathens and Christians on the basis of the fleetingness of earthly life. This course introduces participants to Anglo-Saxon culture, language and especially poetry. In addition to the major epic poem, Beowulf, we will reada number extractsof shorter poems:elegies such as The seafarer and The wanderer, the account of the Battle of Maldon, as well as the The dream of the rood. These will be read in modern English, with the Old English version considered alongside. Most of these poems and their translations are contained in The first poems in English, by Michael Alexander, available on amazon.de for 16,99€, and cheaper if bought used. This book will serve as basis for the course, therefore participants should get a hold of it! For those who wish to delve deeper into the matter, I suggest Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf. A list with further literature will be provided at the beginning of the course. Alexander, Michael. The first poems in English. Penguin Classics, 2011. This book(let) is very helpful but not mandatory. You will find the set texts in the reader as well. Anglistik - Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaft Universität Siegen SoSe 2012 M.A. Budde Larissa M.A