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Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism
Summary
This article discusses the incorrect information that is often perpetuated about Anglo-Saxon Paganism and its differences from Scandinavian Paganism. It looks at evidence from laws, rituals, and place names, as well as texts and artifacts, to demonstrate the practices of Anglo-Saxon Paganism. It also examines the influence of Christianity as well as the persistence of Paganism in England over multiple generations. The article argues that you cannot gain an understanding of the Anglo-Saxon mindset without understanding something of the Paganism of that period.
Q&As
How is incorrect information often repeated in the area of Anglo Saxon studies?
Incorrect information is often repeated in the area of Anglo Saxon studies by presuming that Anglo Saxon Paganism was the same as Scandinavian, except for some slight name changes.
What does the Venerable Bede provide evidence of regarding Anglo Saxon Heathen practices?
The Venerable Bede provides evidence of some Anglo Saxon Heathen practices such as mentioning the obscure Heathen deities Eostre, Hreþa (month names) & Sætere.
What type of process does Prudence Jones & Nigel Pennick provide a detailed analysis of?
Prudence Jones & Nigel Pennick provide a detailed analysis of the process of vacillating between various religions depending on their current rulers, invaders and even who they wanted as their allies or trading partners.
What type of activities were going on in England according to the Laws of King Alfred?
According to the Laws of King Alfred, people in the 880s were acting as enchanters, wizards and witches, as well as sacrificing to idols.
What is the significance of the White Horse Stone in East Anglia?
The White Horse Stone in East Anglia is said to be where Horsa, one of the two human sources of English Heathenism, is buried and is thus an important place to modern heathens as a memorial.
AI Comments
👍 This article does an excellent job of shining light on the misunderstood aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism. It is filled with a wealth of knowledge and provides an interesting and informative read.
👎 This article lacks in-depth analysis of the facts and instead relies too heavily on speculation and conjecture.
AI Discussion
Me: It’s about Anglo-Saxon Paganism. The writer talks about how there is a lot of incorrect information regarding this topic, and they go into detail about the evidence we have that suggests that paganism was still a part of Anglo-Saxon culture after it was officially converted to Christianity. They also discuss the various laws that were passed against paganism, and the rituals and cult centers that may have been associated with it.
Friend: That's really interesting. It sounds like there is a lot of evidence that suggests that paganism had a lasting influence on Anglo-Saxon culture.
Me: Exactly. It raises some interesting questions about how much of our culture is still shaped by our pagan roots, even though we may not be aware of it. It also makes me think about how religion is often used for political purposes, and how it can be difficult to know exactly what our ancestors believed and practiced.
Action items
- Research the various Anglo-Saxon laws and edicts that were passed to combat Paganism.
- Explore the various place names that may have been derived from Pagan deities or rituals.
- Investigate the archaeological evidence of Anglo-Saxon Pagan temples and cult centres.
Technical terms
- Anglo-Saxon Paganism
- A polytheistic religion practiced by the Anglo-Saxons in England prior to the Christianization of the region.
- Heathen
- A person who does not follow a mainstream religion, especially one who follows a polytheistic religion.
- Danelaw
- An area of England in which the laws of the Danes were in force during the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Venerable Bede
- An English monk and scholar who wrote extensively about the history of the Anglo-Saxons.
- Penitential
- A book of rules and regulations for the Christian church, especially those related to penance and absolution.
- Gildas
- A 6th century British monk and historian.
- Hengest and Horsa
- Two legendary brothers who are said to have led the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain in the 5th century.
- White Horse Stone
- A stone monument in Kent, England, said to be the burial place of Horsa.
- Aylesford
- A village in Kent, England, near the site of the White Horse Stone.
- King Alfred
- A 9th century king of Wessex who wrote a set of laws known as the Laws of King Alfred.
- King Æþelræd
- A 10th century king of England who published a set of laws known as the Laws of King Æþelræd.
- King Aþelhere
- A 7th century king of East Anglia who was part of King Penda's expedition against Oswiu.
- King Cnut
- A 10th century king of England who issued a set of laws banning certain pagan practices.
- King Edgar
- A 10th century king of England who issued a set of laws banning certain pagan practices.
- King Edwin
- A 7th century king of Northumbria who asked the Heathen priest Coifi to convert the people to Christianity.
- King Penda
- A 7th century king of Mercia who led an expedition against Oswiu.
- King Rædwald
- A 7th century king of East Anglia who is believed to be the main burial at Sutton Hoo.
- King Sighere
- A 7th century king of the East Saxons who rebuilt ruined temples and restored Heathen worship.
- Archbishop Theodore
- A 7th century archbishop who issued a Penitential banning certain pagan practices.