Anglo-Saxon Literary Terms

Epic Poem

A long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero.

Folk EpicsHave no certain authorship and arise,

usually through storytelling, from the collective experiences of a people.

Example: Beowulf

Literary Epics

Written down by known authors

Example: Paradise Lost by John Milton

Characteristics of Epics• begins in “medias res” (in the middle

of things)• begins with an invocation to a Muse• content is concerned with the fate of a

nation or a people• set on a large scale, ranging around

the world

Characteristics Con’t

• the intervention of supernatural figures

• extended similes• long catalogues (lists)• extensive battle scenes• stock episodes

Epic Boast

A self-admiring speech given by the hero of an epic for the purpose of glorifying himself.

CaesuraA natural break in a line of poetry which helps to provide rhythm

Lament

A song or poem that expresses grief or regret

In its verb form, it means “to cry or grieve.”

Elegy

A type of lyric poem which is usually a formal mourning for someone’s death

Archetype

An original pattern or model from which all other things of the same kind are made

Example: The film was one of the archetypes of the American Western.

QuestA journey one undertakes with

the intention of seeking something

Example: the Holy Grail

Mead

The fermented beverage made of water, honey, malt, and yeast.

ComitausAn agreement between a lord

and his thanes in which the thanes swear to protect the lord, while the lord provides protection, wealth, and weapons

KenningThe metaphoric and often

creative compound re-naming of an ordinary object

Examples: bird’s nest (hair)sea road (ocean)ring-giver (king)

Ecclesiastical

Having to do with the church

EpithetA word or phrase, often

disparaging or abusive, which expresses a character trait of someone or something

VocationA profession that is often

seen as a calling by those who carry it out

Examples: minister, teacher, fireman, policeman

Since the Anglo-Saxon people had no form of written language in the beginning, they relied on oral tradition to pass down stories and songs.

MotifA theme, character type, image,

metaphor, or other verbal element that recurs throughout a single work of literature or occurs in a number of different works over a period of time

IconThis shape can be said to be an

“icon” because it is easily associated with the word “Stop”