Taking a step back for a moment, we return to the Viking pirates, the fearless thieves of the icy north who surprised much of Western Europe when their long-boats suddenly appeared out of the fog of Dark Ages, sacking coastal towns, raiding churches, slaughtering and conquering thousands. At the time, the early Christian kingdoms of … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part IV
Great Books Project
Anglo-Saxon England, Part III
After the death of Alfred The Great, his bloodline would produce a series of warrior kings that would conquer the Danes and dominate the British isle. The dream of a unified Aengla Land would fall to his son Edward "The Elder." Edward continued his father's uncompromising resistance to the Danes, and he gained ground against … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part III
Alfred the Great (871-899)
"I desired to live worthily as long as I lived, and to leave after my life, to the men who should come after me, the memory of me in good works"-Author's note in Alfred's translation of Boethius's On The Consolation of Philosophy Alfred (or "Aelfred) is the only king of England ever to be given … Continue reading Alfred the Great (871-899)
Anglo-Saxon England, Part II
With the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, a slough of changes took effect across Britain. Old English replaced Latin as the lingua franca, the island of Brittania was renamed Aengla Land after the Angles, and perhaps most significantly, there was a political shift. The Saxons brought with them the idea of kingship by consent. That is, … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part II
Anglo-Saxon England, Part I
After the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, first spurred by the Visigothic sack of Rome in AD 410 followed by the collapse of the western Empire in AD 476, a cloud of darkness overcame the island of Britain. Very little writing or culture emerged as the world of the Britons became immersed in … Continue reading Anglo-Saxon England, Part I
An Appeal to Common Wisdom in the Final Tale: The Parson’s Tale
The "Parson's Tale" is the final story of The Canterbury Tales. In the "General Prologue," the Parson is described as a 'good man of religion.' He is erudite, scholarly, devout, and forgiving. The Parson believes that in order to be a good priest he must be perfect, because sheep follow their shepherd, but only if … Continue reading An Appeal to Common Wisdom in the Final Tale: The Parson’s Tale
