References of Paganism to Christianity in English Literature
References of Paganism to Christianity in English Literature
Great Britain has thousands of years of history. The first known inhabitants were the ancient Celts. Although they did not have a written language much is known about their culture. Celtic society had several classes which included, aristocrats; common people; and an educated class of lawyers, poets and priests. Most of the Celts lived in small rural settlements, raising crops and livestock. Tradition says that in 449 A.D. the first band of people from the great North German plain crossed the North Sea to Britain. These were the Jutes; the first of many Germanic invaders. After the Jutes came the Anglo-Saxons. Even though the Celts were no match for the invaders, they put up a fight. "The legendary King Authur may have been the leader of the Celtic people who were driven into Wales. The Anglo-Saxons had a written language; the first known manuscript in their language is Beowulf. Beowulf is a good illustration of the mixing of long held Pagan beliefs and traditions with the new Christian faith.
The Anglo-Saxons were a more war-like tribe than the Celts, but their society was still well developed, "branching out from family to clan and tribe then to their kingdom." The Anglo-Saxons had great loyalty towards their chosen leaders. "They also liked to hold meetings where people could openly express what they thought and felt." Besides tremendous loyalty to their leaders, the Anglo-Saxons also had an Heroic Idea. They admired, "men of outstanding courage and strength." Beowulf fills this outline of the Heroic Idea quite well because he was extremely strong and courageous. The Anglo-Saxons felt that, "Loyalty to the leaders and the tribe,… as well as fierce personal valor were necessary for the survival of all." "The ruler was to be generous to those who were loyal, therefore the followers in return would remain loyal." An example of this is illustrated in Beowulf when Hrothgar has a mead hall built , called Herot Hall, to reward his people. The Anglo-Saxons also had an acceptance of death. Their attitude towards death was not to fear death but rather that it is going to happen to everyone. This acceptance was because, "Everyone was aware of the shortness of life and the passing away of all...