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Early Great Britain. Iberians. The first British people. The Celts. Mostly blond. Practiced animism (Latin for spirit.) Priests, called Druids, interceded between the spirits and the people. Ritual dances and even human sacrifice were practiced. Stonehenge was probably a religious site.
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Iberians • The first British people.
The Celts • Mostly blond. • Practiced animism (Latin for spirit.) • Priests, called Druids, interceded between the spirits and the people. • Ritual dances and even human sacrifice were practiced. • Stonehenge was probably a religious site.
The Celts • A very “Magical” world. • Celtic myths and worship include very strong women. Women were a very important part of society and could serve as priestess, administrator, and even warrior. • The “Stag King” and “goddess” come from the Celts. • Warriors would “paint themselves blue” and sometimes fought in the buff.
The Romans • Invasion began in 55 B. C. (started by Julius Caesar). • Ruled for 100 years. • Armies were almost invincible due to their strategic fighting methods. • The Celtic religion began to vanish. • By A. D. 409, the Romans vacated. (If they had stayed, England would speak Italian today). • Left behind architecture, roads, public baths but NO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, making it easy for the Anglo Saxons to take over.
The Anglo Saxons • Invasion took place over years. The Celts put up a strong resistance but with no unifying leader, could not hold them back. • The Anglo Saxons did adopt a Celt warrior in legend, Arthur. • King Alfred the Great united the Anglo Saxons and drove out the Danes. (The Danes were the Viking plunderers). Eventually, however the Danes took over northeast and central England. They are also considered to be Anglo Saxons. • Christianity began to take a foothold and helped King Alfred rule. Christianity provided a “common faith.” • The early Christian missionaries adapted the “old religious festivals and holidays,” giving them Christian meanings and symbols. • In 1066, William, the duke of Normandy, defeated the Anglo Saxons in the Battle of Hastings, thus starting the “Norman” period.
The Anglo Saxons • Buried their kings in “ship graves.” • Warfare was the order of the day. • FAME WAS VERY IMPORTANT, so bards/scops were almost as important as the king. • Loyalty was paramount and grew our of a need to protect the group. • Tribes (homes) were arranged in “clusters.” • Kings would reward their loyal underlings. • The Mead Hall and wierguld (Man’s gold) was very important.
The Anglo Saxons • Warrior Gods. A dark, fatalistic religion. • Odin was the god of poetry (fame) and death. (Woden from which we get Wednesday or Woden’s day). A warrior would be allowed to go to Odin’s Hall, be served by Valkrie, and fight/drink in the afterlife. • Thunor or Thor was the god of thunder and lighting. His sign was the twisted cross or swastica (Thursday). • The dragon is the protector of treasure.
The Anglo Saxons • Warrior Gods. A dark, fatalistic religion. • Odin was the god of poetry (fame) and death. (Woden from which we get Wednesday or Woden’s day). A warrior would be allowed to go to Odin’s Hall, be served by Valkrie, and fight/drink in the afterlife. • Thunor or Thor was the god of thunder and lighting. His sign was the twisted cross or swastica (Thursday). • The dragon is the protector of treasure.
Characteristics of an Anglo Hero • Bravery • Loyalty • Generosity • Friendship • Male • Fame • Believed in fate • Believed in wiergield
Christians • Early missionaries adopted the pagan holidays in order to help convert the Celts and Anglo Saxons. The most famous converted holidays are All Saint’s Day, Christmas, and Easter.
