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Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism
Summary
In this article, Eadmund Dunstall bemoans the lack of correct information about Anglo-Saxon Paganism and emphasizes how it is often misconstrued as being the same as Scandinavian Paganism. Through examining Bede's writings, laws, and place names, the article presents evidence that Paganism was still practiced by the Anglo-Saxons even after they had officially converted to Christianity. It also suggests that some Christian practices were intertwined with Paganism. The article also looks at the possibility of animal cults, ritual dancing, and heathen temples still existing after the conversion to Christianity and provides evidence to support this.
Q&As
What is the main point of the article?
The main point of the article is to discuss aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism and to highlight the incorrect information that is often repeated about it.
What evidence is provided to suggest that Anglo-Saxon Paganism was not the same as Scandinavian?
The article suggests that Anglo-Saxon Paganism was not the same as Scandinavian by noting that the names of deities were not consistent from one village to the next, and that there were differences in rituals and magic.
What sources are used to draw conclusions about Anglo-Saxon Paganism?
Sources used to draw conclusions about Anglo-Saxon Paganism include heroic poetry, leech books, verse charms, laws, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, letters, and the Anglo Saxon Rune Poem.
What do laws passed by Saxon kings suggest about the prevalence of Pagan practices?
Laws passed by Saxon kings suggest that Pagan practices were still prevalent in the 880s, as laws were passed against people acting as enchanters, wizards, and witches, and sacrificing to idols.
What is the evidence suggesting that some Pagan practices lingered even after Christianisation?
Evidence suggesting that some Pagan practices lingered even after Christianisation includes King Æþelberht's suspicion of Christian missionaries' magic, King Edgar's laws against well worship, divination, and practices around trees and wells, and King Cnut's laws against animal guising, saluting the moon, making offerings at waterfalls and trees, and making oaths to Heathen gods.
AI Comments
👍 This article provides an interesting and in-depth look into the fascinating history of Anglo-Saxon Paganism and its various aspects.
👎 The article lacks any primary sources, making it difficult to verify some of the claims made within the text.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about aspects of Anglo-Saxon Paganism and how incorrect information is often repeated about the religion. The article goes into detail about the various laws, rituals, and cult centers associated with Anglo-Saxon Paganism and how they may have influenced modern Heathen practices.
Friend: Interesting! So what implications does this article have?
Me: Well, the article provides evidence that there was a lot of Pagan activity going on in England during the 5th to 7th centuries, despite the official conversion to Christianity. This suggests that Pagan beliefs and practices were very deeply ingrained in the culture and that they were hard to fully eradicate. Additionally, the article highlights the need for more careful research and accuracy when discussing this period of history, since so much of the information is still speculative and open to interpretation.
Action items
- Research the various Anglo-Saxon laws and edicts to gain a better understanding of the religious practices of the time.
- Visit the White Horse Stone in Kent to pay homage to Horsa, one of the two human sources of English Heathenism.
- Explore the archaeological evidence of cult centres, temples, and ritual dances to gain a better understanding of Anglo-Saxon Paganism.
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 effect during the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Venerable Bede
- An English monk and scholar who wrote extensively about the history of the Anglo-Saxons in the 8th century.
- Penitential
- A book of rules and regulations for the Christian Church, especially those related to confession and penance.
- Leech books
- Books of medical advice and remedies written in the Middle Ages.
- Verse charms
- Poems or songs used to cast spells or perform magic.
- Nine Herbs Charm
- A charm written in Old English that is believed to have been used to ward off evil spirits and cure illnesses.
- White Horse Stone
- A stone monument in Kent, England, believed to be the burial site of Horsa, one of the two warrior leaders brought in by the Celt Vortigern to evict the Picts.
- Erce, Erce, Erce
- A charm used to make a field more fertile.
- Grimr
- A nickname for Woden, a god in Germanic mythology.
- Weoh
- An idol or object of worship.
- Hearg
- A hill sanctuary.