Lesson Theme: The Old English Literature. Anglo-Saxon Literature

 
 

---

Alfred the Great 
Alfred the Great (848-901), king of Wessex kingdom, is another important 
figure in prose writing of Anglo-Saxon period. During his reign, he tried every 
means to improve education by founding colleges and importing teachers from 
Europe. He was a well-known translator. He translated some important Latin works 
into English, among which, the most important is The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This 
book records the main happenings of the Anglo-Saxon period. It is the best 
monument of the Old English prose. 
It was written over a long period of time, and tells the history of England from 
the beginning of Christian times, around 
AD 
600 to 1154, with details of invasions 
and battles. Some of it is in poetry, and it is very important for our knowledge of the 
history and the language of Old English. King Alfred the Great was probably one of 
the people who helped to put the Chronicle together.
The beginning of the 9
th
 century was a troubled time for England. Danish pirates, 
called Northmen kept coming from overseas for plunder. Each year their number 
increased. When Alfred was made king in 871, England's danger was the greatest. 
Nevertheless, in a great battle fought by Alfred at Maldon in 891, the Northmen were 
defeated, and Alfred decided to make peace with them. The greater portion of 
England was given up to the newcomers. The only part of the kingdom left in 
possession of Alfred was Wessex. 
Alfred was a Latin scholar. He is famous not only for having built the first navy, 
but for trying to enlighten his people. He drew up a code of laws and translated the 
Church-history of Bede from Latin into Anglo-Saxon, the native language of his 
people, and a part of the Bible as well. He created the first history of England, the 
first prose in English literature, the famous "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle". 
His reign, from 871 to 899, was a time of great literary production. Alfred 
ordered many translations of religious and historical texts, and helped to bring the 
West Saxon dialect into a strong position as the language of literature and history. 
Alfred, a monk from Winchester in the south of England, was an important translator 
as well as a writer. His works include Catholic Homilies [homilies = religious talk] 
(990-2) and hives of the Saints (993-8). He uses real spoken English, and all the 
features of Old English literature are found in his work. Aelfric is the greatest figure 
in Old English prose. He brought excellence of style into the language and wide 
knowledge to all his works.