The History of English Podcast Episode 38: Nobles, Nuptials and a Cowherd Poet
Feb 17, 2014
Explore the Northumbrian Renaissance and the Kingdom of Northumbria's emergence as a center of scholarship. Discover the importance of poetry in early language development and the challenges of preserving Old English poetry. Learn about marriage alliances, the role of women, and the origins of marriage terms. Dive into the marriage, conversion, and betrayal of Edwin of Northumbria. Delve into the political rivalry and strategic alliances of Oswald and Ozzly in Northumbria. Discover the significance of the Whitby monastery and Cadmon's hymn in integrating English alongside Latin in monastic settings.
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Survival of Old English Poetry
- Old English poetry survives mainly in 4 manuscripts compiled around the year 1000.
- Much early literature was lost due to Viking raids, Norman indifference, and Henry VIII's dissolution of monasteries.
Marriage's Political Power
- Marriage alliances were crucial in early Anglo-Saxon politics and the spread of Christianity.
- Powerful Christian women influenced kings and conversions across Western Europe.
Old English Marriage Vocabulary
- Many English words for marriage come from Old English, reflecting contracts and economic transactions.
- Words like wedlock, betrothed, and handfasten reveal marriage as a binding promise and covenant.