The Era of Anglo-Norman Period

The Era of Anglo-Norman Period(1066-1350)

The Normans:

The name "Norman" is attributed to the Northmen who originated from Scandinavia. These individuals were known for their robustness as seafarers. In the 10th century, they invaded the French coast and conquered the entire northern region. However, unlike their previous behaviour, they chose to intermarry with the advanced civilization of the north rather than destroy it.

The locals, known as Franks, embraced the French culture and language, abandoning their own customs. The inhabitants embraced and enhanced the Roman culture of the locals. After evolving from uncivilized Viking tribes, they became the most refined and educated population in Europe. The merging of Norse and French ancestry, also known as the Roam Gallic, resulted in a community with strong determination, dynamism, inquisitive nature, and creative thinking.

The Conquest of Anglo-Norman

Before the fight at Hastings and the takeover of England, there reigned a Saxon leader by the name of Harold. In the year 1066, during the battle at Hastings, the power of the last Saxon kings, specifically that of Harold, was shattered. As a result, William, the Duke of Normandy, ascended to the throne of England. This conquest brought about a remarkable change in literature, as the Normans introduced bright and romantic tales of love and adventure. However, in the beginning, the Normans and Saxons lived separately, with a master-servant relationship. Over three centuries, the Normans and Saxons gradually merged, resulting in a significant impact on the language and literature of the Anglo-Saxons.

IMPACT OF INVASION ON ANGLO-SAXON CULTURE

Upon the founding of Willian's kingdom, Normandy introduced French literature and language, resulting in the Anglo-Saxon language shedding most of its Germanic influences and becoming more simplified. English then assimilated a majority of French vocabulary and became the dominant language. As a reflection of this evolution, English literature now incorporates a blend of both French and Saxon elements.

The Saxon's victory at Hastings has three significant consequences. These include-

1. The Normans were responsible for introducing the customs and practical values of the Roman civilization to English society.

2. The concept of a Nation was imposed, to establish a powerful governing body to replace the weak control of a Saxon leader over his people. This further demonstrates that exceptional literature can only originate from a powerful nation.

3. The influx of a new language and literature from abroad brought wealth to England, and over time our English language gradually assimilated these influences.

THE LITERARY WORKS DURING THE NORMAN ERA

A manuscript from around 1330, found, is a remarkable representation of the literature during the Norman period. This literature was mainly produced by the clergy and nobles, with a single manuscript often containing all the reading material for a castle or village. This manuscript can be seen as a precursor to modern libraries. Its contents include metrical and verse romances featuring French, Celtic, and English heroes such as Roland, Arthur, Tristram, and Bevis of Hampton. There are also tales of Alexander, the Greek romance "Flores and Blanchefleur", and a compilation of Oriental stories known as "The Seven Wise Masters." Other notable works include legends of the Virgin Mary and saints, a treatise on the seven deadly sins, biblical history, a dispute among birds regarding women, a love song or bawdy tale with a French touch, a chronicle of English kings and Norman barons, and a political satire.

ESSENTIAL LITERARY PIECES FROM THE ANGLO-SAXON ERA

POETRY can be categorized into three main groups for simplicity.

1. HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS - Within this timeframe, there was a significant increase in the production of poetic accounts. These accounts stand out for their incorporation of narratives, creativity, and often, lively writing styles.

(a) Layamon's Brut - Layamon, a monk from the Arley kings in Worcestershire, composed Brut around 1205. This literary work chronicles the history of Britain from the arrival of Brutus to the demise of Cadwallader. Layamon drew heavily from 'Roman de Brut' by Wace as his main source. The poem consists of approximately 16000 lines, all written in alliterative form. The language used in Layamon's Brut is considered to be archaic.

(b) Robert of Gloucester - Renowned for his rhyming chronicle, Robert of Gloucester is a monk from Gloucester who composed his work in the late 13th century. It is believed to be a collaborative effort of multiple authors, heavily influenced by the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth, William of Malmesbury, and other chroniclers. Robert's affection for his homeland shines through in his portrayal of Arthur as the central figure in his work.

(c) Robert of Manning of Brunne - He hails from Broune, a town in Lincolnshire. He wrote a rhymed 'history of England' which he completed on Friday, May 25, 1338, between three and four in the afternoon. It covers events from Noah and the Flood to the death of Edward 1st and is written in Alexandrian couplets. Among his other works is Handlyng Synne, which he began in 1303. It is based on William of Wadigton's Manuel des Pechiez and is intended for the common people. Handlyng Synne is written in couplets with four stressed lines in each.

2. POETRY OF RELIGION AND TEACHING.

(a) Orm, who wrote The Ormulum around 1200, used a dialect from the north-east midlands and addressed it to a fellow canon-regular named Walter. This autobiography consists of 10,000 lines, though it remains incomplete. The meter of the text is based on the Latin septenarius and follows a unique system of spelling where consonants are frequently doubled. It is believed that the name "Ormulum" was given to this work because it was written by Orm himself.

(b) The poem, The Owl and Nightingale, was most likely composed in the first part of the 13th century. It presents a lengthy debate between the nightingale, symbolizing the carefree happiness of life, and the owl, representing wisdom and moderation. The structure of the poem is made up of short rhyming couplets, which are executed with great proficiency.

(c) The works "The Orison to our Lady", "Genesis", "Exodus", "The Bestiary", "The Moral ode", "The Proverbs of Alfred", and "The Proverbs of Hendyng" can be traced back to the 13th century and hold significant value in terms of their metrical composition.

(d) The Cursor Mundi is a comprehensive religious text that covers both the old and new aspects of faith.

(e) Richard Rolle of Hampole is a notable literary figure whose personal life is well-documented. He authored several prose pieces, with his most significant work being the lengthy poem "The Pricke of Conscience". This piece delves into the highs and lows of human existence.

(f) Alliterative Poems.- Perl, Purity, Patience, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are all examples of poems written in the West Midlands dialect. The exact authorship and date of these poems are unknown. However, the first three poems all have a religious theme.

3. Love and Affection.

During this period, numerous romantic stories were organized based on their subject matter.

(a) Among the finest works are the lively "King Horn" and "Havelock the Dane", the "Popular Work of Warwick" and the popular "Guy of Warwick" and "Bevis of Hampton", which all explore English history and heroic tales to the fullest.

(b) A multitude of love stories exist that revolve around the legendary figure of King Arthur.