Rebel Angels: Space and Sovereignty in Anglo-Saxon England

The book explores the Anglo-Saxon version of the fall of the angels, tracing it through various cultural moments and literary genres, including sermons, saints' lives, royal charters, riddles, devotional poetry, and biblical poetry. It highlights the successful transmission of an exegetical teaching turned rich literary tradition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Before John Milton's renowned Paradise Lost, Anglo-Saxon authors had their own rendition of the fall of the angels. This captivating book explores a diverse array of cultural, literary, and comparative elements to uncover that version, spanning from the legal and social realms to the world of popular spiritual ritual and belief. The narrative of the angels' fall in Anglo-Saxon England unfolds as the tale of an exegetical teaching that has been skillfully passed down through generations, evolving into a rich literary tradition. This narrative can be traced through a diverse range of genres, including sermons, saints' lives, royal charters, riddles, devotional poetry, and biblical poetry. Each of these genres provides a unique perspective into the ancient myths and their place within the Anglo-Saxon literary and cultural imagination.

The Anglo-Saxon authors who penned these tales sought to convey profound spiritual and moral lessons through their narratives. They believed that the fall of the angels was a symbolic representation of human sin and the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. Through their stories, they aimed to inspire awe, reverence, and a sense of moral responsibility in their audiences.

The literary genres employed by Anglo-Saxon authors to convey their version of the fall of the angels were diverse and multifaceted. Sermons, for instance, were a popular medium for spreading religious teachings and moral values. They often included vivid descriptions of the angels' rebellion and their subsequent punishment, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of sin. Saints' lives, on the other hand, provided a firsthand account of the lives and teachings of Christian saints, including their struggles against temptation and their ultimate redemption. These narratives often included accounts of the angels' involvement in the lives of the saints, highlighting their role as messengers of God.

Royal charters, which were legal documents issued by kings and queens, also played a significant role in the transmission of the angels' fall narrative. These charters often contained references to the angels' rebellion and their punishment, serving as a means of legitimizing the authority and power of the ruling elite. Riddles, on the other hand, were a popular form of entertainment during the Anglo-Saxon period. They were often used to challenge the intellect and test the knowledge of the audience. Riddles often contained references to the angels' fall, using clever wordplay and metaphors to convey complex ideas in a playful and engaging manner.

Devotional and biblical poetry were also important sources of information about the angels' fall. These poems often included references to the angels' rebellion and their punishment, as well as their role in the creation of the world. They also provided a means of expressing the spiritual longing and yearning for redemption that was prevalent in Anglo-Saxon society.

In conclusion, the story of the fall of the angels in Anglo-Saxon England is a rich and complex narrative that spans various cultural, literary, and comparative realms. Through a diverse range of genres, Anglo-Saxon authors sought to convey spiritual and moral lessons, inspire awe and reverence, and emphasize the importance of obedience and the consequences of sin. The angels' fall narrative has left a lasting impact on Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, and its significance continues to be explored and celebrated today.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526129093