English Literature

Ælfric of Eynsham Anglo-Saxon literature is a treasure of epic poems, riddles and prose. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of early medieval England. Many works of this Anglo-Saxon literature remain anonymous. But several key figures stand out as significant contributors to this rich literary landscape. Ælfric of Eynsham is one of them. In the landscape of Anglo-Saxon literature, while poets like Cædmon and Cynewulf illuminated the era with verse, Ælfric of Eynsham shone brightly as a master of prose. He was a Benedictine monk and a prolific writer of homilies, saints' lives, and grammatical works. His clear and accessible prose style made religious and scholarly knowledge available to a broader readership. His Grammar and Glossary are also important sources for our understanding of the Old English language. Ælfric was born around 950 AD. He spent much of his life at the Old Minster in Winchester before becoming abbot of Eynsham Abbey around 1005 AD. His writin...

King Alfred the Great Anglo-Saxon literature is a treasure of epic poems, riddles and prose. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of early medieval England. Many works of this Anglo-Saxon literature remain anonymous. But several key figures stand out as significant contributors to this rich literary landscape. King Alfred is one of them. He was not just a king; he was a scholar, a translator and a champion of the English language. He is often referred to as Alfred the Great. He stands as a pivotal figure in English history. King Alfred the Great is known for his defense of Wessex against the Vikings. He was also a champion of learning and literature. He instigated a cultural revival. He attempted to promot literacy and education. Alfred ascended to the throne of Wessex in 871 AD during a time of intense Viking incursions. The Vikings had been raiding and settling in England for decades. This act was posing a serious threat to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Alfred's earl...

Cynewulf: A Great Poet Anglo-Saxon literature is a treasure of epic poems, riddles and prose. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of early medieval England. Many works of this Anglo-Saxon literature remain anonymous. But several key figures stand out as significant contributors to this rich literary landscape. Cynewulf is one of them. He is a shining star in the sky of Anglo-Saxon Literature. He is known as the Signature Poet of Anglo-Saxon Literature. His contribution is very significant in the development in English poetic tradition. Cynewulf is a prominent figure in Anglo-Saxon literature. Unlike Cædmon, Cynewulf's works are marked by his unique signature. He weaves his name in runic characters into the texts of his poems. This allows us to confidently attribute several important works to him, including The Fates of the Apostles , Juliana , Elene , and Christ II . His poems are known for their religious themes, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. Unlike Cædmon,...

Cædmon: A Great Poet Anglo-Saxon literature is a treasure of epic poems, riddles and prose. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of early medieval England. Many works of this Anglo-Saxon literature remain anonymous. But several key figures stand out as significant contributors to this rich literary landscape. Cædmon is one of them. In the realm of Anglo-Saxon literature, amidst tales of epic battles and heroic deeds, stands the remarkable story of Cædmon. Cædmon is popular as the first poet of English Verse. He received the gift of song in a dream. He transformed biblical stories into beautiful vernacular verse and made scripture accessible to a wider audience. Though only a few of his works survive, they mark the beginning of a distinct English poetic tradition. According to Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People , Cædmon was not a scholar or a skilled wordsmith. He was an ordinary illiterate cowherd at the Whitby Abbey. He was a humble figure in th...

The Selfish Giant: Oscar Wilde Every afternoon, as they were coming from school, the children used to go and play in the Giant's garden. It was a large lovely garden, with soft green grass. Here and there over the grass stood beautiful flowers like stars, and there were twelve peach-trees that in the spring-time broke out into delicate blossoms of pink and pearl, and in the autumn bore rich fruit. The birds sat on the trees and sang so sweetly that the children used to stop their games in order to listen to them. "How happy we are here!" they cried to each other. One day the Giant came back. He had been to visit his friend the Cornish ogre, and had stayed with him for seven years. After the seven years were over he had said all that he had to say, for his conversation was limited, and he determined to return to his own castle. When he arrived he saw the children playing in the garden. "What are you doing here?" he cried in a very gruff voice, and the ch...

Beowulf’s Story Beowulf has been divided into two parts. The first part opens in Denmark. The king of Denmark is King Hrothgar. He has a splendid mead hall. It is known as Heorot. It is a place of celebration and much merriment. However, the joyous noise angers Grendel. Grendel is an evil monster who lives in a nearby swamp. For twelve years Grendel has been terrorizing Heorot with his nightly visits. In his visits he carries off Hrothgar’s warriors and devours them. After learning of the Danes’ trouble,the prince of the Geats, young Beowulf, comes to Denmark from southern Sweden with a small band of retainers. He offers to rid Heorot of its monster. Hrothgar is astonished at his dare and welcomes him. One day during the night, Grendel comes. He opens the heavy doors and devours one of the sleeping Geats. He then grapples with Beowulf. Beowulf grips one of Grendel’s hands with such force that the monster finally wrenches himself free only when his arm is torn off at the shoulder. ...

Beowulf: An Introduction Beowulf is an epic poem composed in Old English. It is the foundation of Anglo-Saxon literature. It is considered a foundational work in the English literary world. Its origin is shrouded in the mist of time. It is said that it was written down around the 10th century. The poem was likely passed down orally before it was written down. Its themes of heroism, mortality and the struggle between good and evil made it a mile stone in the history of literature. This epic poem tells the story of Beowulf. He was a Geatish warrior who was popular for his strength and courage. He travels across the sea to help Hrothgar. Hrothgar was the king of the Danes. He was being terrorized by a monstrous creature named Grendel. Beowulf confronts Grendel and tears off his arm and forces him to flee to his death. This scene sybolises the clash between order and chaos. To Seek the revenge for her son's death, Grendel's mother attacks Beowulf. Beowulf struggles against her ...