ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Anglo-Saxon literature, which is also called Old English literature comprises literature written in Old English in Anglo-Saxon England, from the 7th century to the Norman Conquest of 1066. These literary genres include epic poetry, sermons, and Bible translations.

Detailed explanation-2: -Their religion was called ‘paganism’. The Saxons were very superstitious and believed in elves, goblins and dragons. The Anglo-Saxons worshipped the gods Tiw, Woden, Thor and Frig.

Detailed explanation-3: -Some of the most important works from this period include the poem Beowulf, which has achieved national epic status in Britain. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is a collection of early English history. The poem Cædmon’s Hymn from the 7th century is one of the oldest surviving written texts in English.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Dream of the Rood is an example of Christian ideals in Anglo-Saxon literature. This poem is about a dream of how Christ’s cross was created (rood being an Old English word for cross). The dreamer laments the death of Christ, but glorifies his reentry into Heaven and how he has saved many souls of men on Earth.