Old English literature refers to the language and writings of Anglo-Saxon England between the 5th and 12th centuries. It was first an oral tradition but later developed a written form using manuscripts. The literature reflected the strong religious faith and admiration for heroic warriors of Anglo-Saxon culture at the time. Popular genres included poetry which was the dominant form, using unique literary devices like caesura and alliteration. Old English was influenced by the Germanic languages of invading populations like the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, as well as Latin and Old Norse from the Vikings, and provides insight into early English history.

1. OLD ENGLISH LITERATURE

2. • Old English is the term to refer to the language literature spoken and
written in Anglo-Saxon England.
• It is the language and literature of the Anglo-Saxon populations.
• Old English is directly related to Modern English. (many words come
from Old English)
• Old English was first oral but then it attained alphabets writing on
manuscripts.

3. Content of Old English
• They have strong belief and fate
• Wide church and pagan World
• Admiration of heroic warriors who win in battles
• Express religious faith and give moral instruction through literature

4. Style of Old English
Literature
• Only oral tradition was used at first
• Poetry was the dominant genre of
literature
• Some unique forms included: Caesura,
Alliteration, Repetition

5. Popular Works and
Authors

6. Historical
Events
• British history was
characterised by foreign
invasions and internal
problems
• As a result of these events:
many different kind of races,
tongues and cultures
1. Anglo-Saxon
2. Vikings
3. Rome
1
2
3

7. As a result of these invasions
• English words were Germanic, having come from the languages of
Angles, Jutes and Saxons.
• Latin, however, also had a strong influence on early English.
• Then, Scandinavians (Vikings) contributed many words to Old English.
• Old English literature consists of poetry, prose, charms, riddles,
maxims, proverb, and other wisdom sayings.
• It is a mixture of pagan traditions, thoughts about life, the universe
and nature as well as Christian thought and moral values

8. Importance of Old English
• Showes us where English
exactly comes from and how
it relates to other languages
• Tells about the history, social
structure and geography of
England.