Basilisks and Beowulf: Monsters in the Anglo-Saxon World

The Anglo-Saxons were obsessed with monsters, which helped them distinguish the sacred and the profane, carry Gods message to mankind, and challenge what it meant to be human. They were at the center of their worldview, and neglecting them can lead to peril.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2021
Publisher: Reaktion Books

The Anglo-Saxons were deeply fascinated with monsters, many of which did not exist. This book explores the reasons behind this obsession, drawing on literature, art, theology, and a wealth of firsthand evidence. Basilisks and Beowulf reveals a people living on the edge of the known world, using the fantastic and the grotesque to understand their surroundings and their place within it.

For the Anglo-Saxons, monsters played a crucial role in distinguishing between the sacred and the profane. They were believed to carry the message of God to mankind, exposing His divine hand in creation. At the same time, monsters were also agents of disorder, seeking to destroy, conquer, and challenge the very essence of what it meant to be human.

By learning about the habitats and behaviors of monsters, the Anglo-Saxons were able to position themselves in the world and gain a deeper understanding of the divine plan. Monsters were at the very center of their worldview, and their fascination with them extended to a wide range of creatures, from map monsters to demons, dragons to Leviathan.

However, it is important to note that we risk neglecting these fascinating creatures at our peril. By studying and appreciating the role of monsters in Anglo-Saxon culture, we can gain a deeper understanding of their world and the complexities of their beliefs and practices.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789144338