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Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism
Summary
This article examines aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism. It looks at aspects such as laws, rituals and magic, cult centres, temples, and dance. It discusses how some people believe that Anglo-Saxon Paganism was similar to Scandinavian Paganism, and how this may not be the case. The article also explores the evidence for Pagan practices that may have been adapted to fit Christian beliefs. It provides evidence from sources such as texts, place names, and artifacts to support this. Finally, it looks at the interpretation of these sources and suggests that further research is required in order to gain a better understanding of Anglo-Saxon Paganism.
Q&As
What is the article about?
The article is about aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism.
Who was the first English historian and what evidence does he provide about Anglo Saxon Heathen practices?
The first English historian was the Venerable Bede and he provides evidence regarding some Anglo Saxon Heathen practices such as mentioning the obscure Heathen deities Eostre, Hreþa (month names) & Sætere.
What did King Aethelred publish in his laws?
King Aethelred published laws that renounced all Pagan customs in his laws.
What evidence is there of magical acts and religious cults in Anglo Saxon culture?
There is evidence of magical acts and religious cults in Anglo Saxon culture in the form of texts that can be analysed for clues to our Heathen past, such as heroic poetry, material from leech books and verse charms, laws, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, letters, and the Anglo Saxon Rune Poem.
What kind of activities were prohibited by the Laws of King Alfred?
The Laws of King Alfred prohibited women from harbouring enchanters, wizards, and witches, and those who sacrificed to idols rather than to God alone were to suffer death.
AI Comments
👍 This article provides a thorough and informative overview of the aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism, drawing on a range of sources to provide insight into the practices of the time.
👎 This article fails to provide any real analysis of the evidence, instead just presenting a series of facts without any meaningful interpretation.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism and how incorrect information is often repeated about it. It talks about the evidence from texts, laws, cult centers, and rituals that suggest that Paganism was still practiced even after the official conversion to Christianity. It also looks at how the old ways often lingered in a form that was semi-acceptable to the new religion.
Friend: That's interesting. What are the implications of this article?
Me: The article implies that Paganism was still present in England even after Christianity was adopted. It suggests that Pagan practices were still observed, either openly or in a disguised form, and that some of the old customs were still present in the new religion. It also implies that Paganism was not as homogenous as people often assume, and that it had a variety of forms and practices. This article also highlights the importance of looking at both historical sources and archaeological evidence when studying Anglo-Saxon Paganism, and it shows how important it is to look for clues to our past in a variety of sources.
Action items
- Research the various Anglo-Saxon laws and edicts to gain a better understanding of the religious practices of the time.
- Visit sites mentioned in the article, such as the White Horse Stone and the Prittlewell treasure grave, to gain a better understanding of the religious practices of the time.
- Read more about the Anglo-Saxon gods and goddesses, such as Woden, Funor, and Tiw, to gain a better understanding of their roles in the religion.
Technical terms
- Anglo-Saxon Paganism
- A polytheistic religion practiced by the Anglo-Saxons in Britain before the Christianization of the region.
- Heathen
- A person who does not follow a particular religion or who follows a polytheistic religion.
- Danelaw
- The 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 historian who wrote extensively about the history of the Anglo-Saxons.
- Gildas
- A 6th century British monk and historian.
- Hengest and Horsa
- Two legendary warrior leaders who were said to have been brought in by the Celt Vortigern to evict the Picts between about 449-456.
- White Horse Stone
- A stone said to be the burial place of Horsa, one of the two warrior leaders.
- A History of Pagan Europe
- A book by Prudence Jones and Nigel Pennick which provides a detailed analysis of the process of Christian conversion across Europe.
- Wansdyke
- A linear earthwork in England which may have been a boundary between the Anglo-Saxons and the Britons.
- Wednesbury
- A town in England which may have been named after the Anglo-Saxon god Woden.
- Thundersley
- A village in England which may have been named after the Anglo-Saxon god Thunor.
- Tysoe
- A village in England which may have been named after the Anglo-Saxon god Tiw.
- Thurstable
- A village in England which may have been named after the Anglo-Saxon god Funor.
- Weoh
- An Anglo-Saxon word which may mean “idol”.
- Grimr
- A nickname for the Anglo-Saxon god Woden.
- Temple
- A building or structure used for religious worship.
- Dance
- A series of movements and steps usually performed to music.