Anglo-Saxon through the Medieval Period

The main theme that seems to surface in much of the literature of the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval periods is the question of free-will versus fate. The Anglo-Saxon period is marked by the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, and with it came the idea of a single, omniscient god who created a well-ordered and human-centric universe. The hierarchical structure of the universe begins with god, and then extends down through various strata of angels, priests, king, lords, knights, women, and peasants. The structure was perceived to be unalterable, and any disruption to any one link of the hierarchical chain would cause a chain reaction that would upset the balance of the entire structure. The problem of Fate and Free-Will arose when people began to question their position in society: How much power does one really have over oneself in this life? Who does have the power to decide or control my fate if not me? Christianity demands that God possesses power and knowledge of all things. Yet if God knows the future, then the future must be predetermined; however, if the future is predetermined, how can mankind have free-will? This question plagued philosophers throughout the medieval period, and it is reflected in much of the writing.

Anglo-Saxon Poetry

Although written almost 1,600 years ago, early Anglo-Saxon poetry expresses timeless, inextricably human questions and emotions that make the reading as relevant today as it was in the 5th and 6th centuries. As modern readers, the poetry resonates with the poet and philosopher in all of us. Questions about existence, the meaning of life, individual purpose and significance arouse feelings of anxiety, forlornness, joy, mystery, elation, and sadness. An interesting aspect for the modern reader is the Anglo-Saxon perspective on Fate. The speakers in "The Seafarer" and "The Wanderer" seem to solemnly accept their fate as exiled and lonely travellers on the sea or on land. The work they do for their lord, or king (remember the hierarchical structure of Anglo-Saxon society) gives them a purpose, and without this purpose their life has no meaning. As they struggle to find and affirm meaning amidst toil and hardship, the modern reader cannot help but identify with them, which makes these poems so timeless and enjoyable.