The Anglo Saxon Period

1. Historical Criticism:
Anglo-Saxons and the Epic Form

2. Unit 1 Notes
• What qualities or values did the Anglo-Saxons
admire?
• What was the basis for all of the Anglo-
Saxons’ beliefs and values?
• How did religion impact the Anglo-Saxons?
• What were the Anglo-Saxons’ views towards
death and why?

3. • What is an epic?
• What purpose did epics serve?
• What are the standard features of an epic?
• What is a kenning and why was it used?
• What are some characteristics of an epic?
• Why is the epic hero important?

4. Historical Criticism Assignment:
• Read “from Gilgamesh” on pages 60-61
• Find as many examples out of the story as you
can that relate to the qualities, values, and
beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons. You need to find
at least 6 different examples.
• Explain which quality, value, or belief is shown
and either write down the line numbers of
each example or write down the quotes for
each example.