Early Middle Ages – Page 2

19 Nov 20154 Aug 2018 thijsporck Tolkien

The Medieval in Middle-Earth: Thror’s Map

As a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford, J. R. R. Tolkien could not help but be inspired by the language and literature he studied and taught. As a result, his fictional world is infused with cultural material of the Middle Ages, particularly Old English language and literature. In this blog, I will … Continue reading The Medieval in Middle-Earth: Thror’s Map

12 Nov 201531 May 2020 thijsporck Alfred the Great, Medievalism, Paris Psalter, The Last Kingdom (BBC)

Arseling: A Word Coined by Alfred the Great?

This blog post discusses the origins and use of the word 'arseling' in Old English, where it occurs as 'earsling'. There may be a surprising connection to none other than King Alfred the Great himself!

5 Nov 201531 May 2020 thijsporck Beowulf, Medievalism, Merlin (BBC), Missionaries, Old English, The Last Kingdom (BBC), Tolkien, Vikings, Vikings (History Channel)

Old English is alive! Five TV series and movies that use Old English

Old English a dead language? Think again! the language of the Anglo-Saxons is making a comeback in modern cinema.

29 Oct 201531 May 2020 thijsporck Alfred the Great, BL, Royal 12 D XVII, Medieval medicine, Medievalism, The Last Kingdom (BBC)

Passion, Piles and a Pebble: What Ailed Alfred the Great?

The second episode of The Last Kingdom (UK airdate: Thursday, 29 October, 9 pm, BBC 2) introduces Prince Alfred, who would later become King Alfred the Great (d. 899). In his first scene, Alfred is portrayed as a man tormented both physically (because of his health) and morally (because of his lustful feelings towards the … Continue reading Passion, Piles and a Pebble: What Ailed Alfred the Great?

22 Oct 20154 Aug 2018 thijsporck Breca the Pug, Medievalism, Saints, The Last Kingdom (BBC)

Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb

Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb Vikings, Alfred the Great and ninth-century England - The Last Kingdom (BBC; based on the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell) will undoubtedly spark an interest into the Anglo-Saxons. On this blog, I will regularly discuss some of the historical and/or cultural background of The Last Kingdom, without major plot spoilers. In the first … Continue reading Splitting Anglo-Saxon Hairs: Cuthbert’s Comb

18 Oct 201531 May 2020 thijsporck Anglo-Saxons in the Low Countries, Breca the Pug, Missionaries, Saints

The Latest Miracle of Anglo-Saxon Missionary Saint Adalbert of Egmond (d. c.740)

Learn more about the Anglo-Saxon saint Adalbert (d. 740; Feast day: 25 June). In Holland, water from his holy well is used to brew beer.

11 Oct 201531 May 2020 thijsporck Anglo-Saxons in the Low Countries, Beowulf

A medieval giant on display: Last resting place of Beowulf’s Hygelac discovered?

Where was the giant Hygelac (mentioned in Beowulf) buried?