Are you ready to traverse through time and uncover the enthralling period of Early Medieval Poetry in Anglo-Saxon Britain? Join us and our guest, Andrew Rader Hansen, a poet and law school candidate, as we journey back into the past, unearthing the captivating cultures, intricate poetry, and complex histories of this epoch often shrouded in mystery.

Venture with us into the fascinating world of Anglo-Saxon poetry. Let's unravel its rich tapestry, decode the emotions, feelings, and literary tropes used in the period, and delve into the artistry of alliteration, rhyme, meter, and rhythm. We'll flirt with the enigmatic charm of an Old English riddle and compare the poetic traditions of Old English with other literary traditions such as Hebrew and Chinese poetry.

As we weave through the complexities of dating Beowulf, discussing the idea of a unified Anglo-Saxon England, and the influence of Scandinavian people on the dramatic peoples, Andrew lends his unique perspective and insights. We'll grapple with the challenges of reconstructing Anglo-Saxon paganism, study what you enjoy and its practical application, and debate on the fascinating role of the papacy in the early medieval period. So, gear up for an enlightening exploration of the past, to better understand our present and future.

Some of the works discussed:

Slavery, Onion Poem, Bede Poem, Ruin Poem

Send us a text

Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

Support the show

Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic