Old English Charms, Poems, and Proverbs 1

Old English (Ænglisc) is the earliest recorded form of the English language. It was brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the mid-5th century. The first literary works in Old English date from the mid 7th century. Spelling was not standardised but varied by region and dialect over time.

Contained in this book:

A Proverb from Winfrid’s Time, The Gloria II, Bede’s Death Song (Northumbrian Version), Bede’s Death Song (The Hague Version), Bede’s Death Song (West Saxon Version), Latin-English Proverbs, The Brussels Cross, Caedmon’s Hymn (Northumbrian Version), Caedmon’s Hymn (West Saxon Version), Pharaoh, Alms-Giving, The Capture of the Five Boroughs, Thureth, The Lord’s Prayer I, Charm 8 For a Swarm of Bees, Charm 12 Against a Wen, The Partridge, Aldhelm, Homiletic Fragment II, Charm 10 For Loss of Cattle, Charm 7 For the Water-Elf Disease, Wulf and Eadwacer, The Coronation of Edgar, Durham, Charm 5 For Loss of Cattle, Charm 9 For Loss of Cattle, Charm 3 Against a Dwarf, A Summons to Prayer, The Death of Edward, Waldere B, Waldere A, The Death of Alfred

The texts are presented in their original Old English, with a literal word-for-word line-by-line translation, and a Modern English translation, all side-by-side. In this way, it is possible to see and feel how Old English worked and how it has evolved. Also included are individual word lists for each text, and an overall word list.

This book is designed to be of use and interest to anyone with a passion for the Old English language, Anglo-Saxon history, or languages and history in general.