Early English History

Prose

writing that utilizes sentences and paragraphs as its primary mode of organization

verse

writing that uses meter as its primary mode of organization (poetry)

Narrative

writing that tells a story

Alliteration

repetition of consonant sounds in grouped words not limited to the first letter

Assonance

repetition of vowel sounds, also not limited to first letter

Caesura

pause or break in the middle in a line of poetry unique to the anglo saxons comprising a compound word usually joined together by a hyphen.

Hyperbole

great exaggeration

Litote

great understatement

Kenning

specialist metaphor unique to the anglo saxon and is comprised of a compound work usually consisting of a hyphen

comitatus

bond of loyalty between his king and his men

wryd

anglo saxon work for a ominous fate

Weirgild

anglo saxon meaning man payment, a "killing people tax" - if you couldn't pay the money, they'd kill you.

Lof

anglo saxon belief in immortality gained through fame or heroic action

Scop

anglo saxon professional storyteller

Epic

long verse/narrative telling the story of larger than life hero

Epic hero

larger than life hero that follows who embodies the values and ideals of a particular group

Foreshadow

use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in the story, Anglo saxons aren't subtle, they'll tell you exactly what it is and then explain.

Elegy

type of poem that mourns the loss of someone or something

Elgic

something that's sad

Symbol

something that stands for itself and something beyond or outside itself