Understanding Old English Poetry
Old English poetry, or Anglo-Saxon poetry as it is sometimes referred to, can be considered a form of pre-modern English literature. It was written during the transition period between the Old English language, which was spoken before the 11th century, and Middle English, which developed around the 14th century. Old English poetry is unique and fascinating in its structure, and can provide an insight into our understanding of Anglo-Saxon culture and values.
Features of Old English Poetry
Most of the few surviving works of Old English poetry are anonymous, with unknown authors creating works that were passed on through oral traditions before being transcribed in manuscripts. Old English poetry features four distinct type of rhyme schemes, with alliterative prose being most common. Unique to Old English poetry is the concept of ‘kenning’ – a two-word metaphor used to describe an object in a poetic way. For example, rather than calling a whale a whale, it might be referred to as a ‘wave-rider’.
Main Formats
The main formats of Old English poetry are elegies and riddles. Elegies are often poetic laments typically composed to commemorate a dead person or group. These mournful stories typically focus on themes of reflection and loss, and provide a window into the values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people, such as the importance of loyalty and their shared love of storytelling.
Riddles, on the other hand, are verses composed to provide a cryptic puzzle or conundrum that can only be solved by interpreting the work in a figurative or metaphorical way. Riddles challenge the reader’s intelligence and provide a unique insight into the Anglo-Saxon world view and its intricate relationship with language.
Influence Over Modern Writing
Old English poetry has been a source of inspiration for many modern authors, as real-life stories such as ‘Beowulf’ and ‘The Wanderer’, which were transcribed in manuscripts in the 8th and 9th centuries, provided them with valuable material for their own works. Today, much of Old English poetry is taught in the educational system to provide students with an appreciation of the history and culture of the Anglo-Saxon era.
Beowulf – A Classic
Some of the most famous Old English poems are included in the now widely popular ‘Beowulf’ manuscript. Written between the 8th and 11th centuries, Beowulf is an epic poem composed of 3,182 lines of alliterative verse and is seen by many as the finest example of Old English poetry. It tells the story of Beowulf, a hero who faces various monsters and adversaries, and has been the source of inspiration for many modern films and books, and remains one of the most acclaimed and iconic poems in English literature.
The Impact of Old English Poetry on Modern Literature
The influence of Old English poetry on modern literature is profound. These ancient works have informed the development of modern poetry, as a result of their distinctive rhyme and metre. The concept of ‘kenning’, which is only found in Old English poetry, has been adopted and adapted in modern poetry to great effect, demonstrating the lasting power and importance of these romantic works.
Modern Re-Creations of Old English Poetry
Old English poetry has been re-created in modern language to make it accessible to contemporary readers. Many modern authors, both amateur and professional, have translated and adapted classic works such as Beowulf into contemporary English, making them much easier to understand and appreciate.
Methods of Studying Old English Poetry
One of the primary methods of studying Old English poetry is philology, which is the study of language in its historical and cultural contexts. Through textbooks and academic studies, readers can explore and analyse the various works and try to uncover the likely meaning behind its seemingly obscure language and cultural context. By engaging with these works in this way, readers can gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the culture and values of Anglo-Saxon societies.
Unique Structure and Language
Old English poetry is unique in its structure and language. The use of alliteration, metaphors and cryptic symbolism all serve to add an extra richness and depth to the work. These aspects can be challenging when attempting to interpret the works, but they help to make Old English poetry some of the most interesting and rewarding works of English literature.
The Symbolic Aspects of Poetic Tradition
Old English poetry provides us with the opportunity to explore the deeper symbolic aspects of the poetic tradition. It is an invaluable resource for understanding the norms, values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people, helping to shed light on their worldview and the way they approached life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Old English poetry is a rich and fascinating form of literature which can provide modern readers with an insight into the history, values and beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people. Although these works may be written in a language that is unfamiliar to many, through the interpretation of these works we can gain an appreciation and understanding of their unique sensibilities and worldviews.
