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

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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