A Bonus Episode: This episode tells an original story about a brave girl and the mythical little People of the forests. In Anglo-Saxon England, the "little people" referred to supernatural beings like elves and dwarves, who were believed to inhabit the world alongside humans. These beings were not seen as inherently good or evil, but rather as forces to be respected and, sometimes, feared. Elves Anglo-Saxons believed in elves, known as "ælfe" in Old English, who were associated with both helpful...
Jul 09, 2025•9 min
From the 5th to the 11th centuries, Anglo‑Saxon England was shaped by a rich tapestry of religion and magic: early on, villagers and warriors honored a polytheistic pagan pantheon—Wōden, Thunor, Tīw, Frīge—worshipped in groves, springs, and timber sanctuaries, alongside a belief in spirits such as elves and dwarfs. Embedded in daily life were practices of magico‑medicinal healing and protective charms—meticulously recorded in manuscripts like Bald’s Leechbook and the Lacnunga , exemplified by th...
Jul 05, 2025•7 min
Daily life in Anglo-Saxon England, spanning from the 5th to the 11th centuries, was predominantly rural and centred around agriculture. Most people lived in small villages, often comprising fewer than 100 inhabitants, and worked the land to sustain their communities. Homes were modest wooden structures with thatched roofs, typically consisting of a single room where families cooked, ate, and slept together. These dwellings were part of self-sufficient villages that relied on farming and local re...
May 16, 2025•35 min
The Peasant Soldier: More Than Just a Farmer The average Anglo-Saxon peasant soldier was not a full time warrior but a member of the Fyrd—a militia of free men called upon in times of war. This system allowed the king or local lords to summon able-bodied men from the countryside to bolster the ranks of professional warriors, known as thegns and housecarls. Though not career fighters, these men were not entirely unfamiliar with combat. The Fyrd was composed primarily of ceorls—free peasants who o...
Apr 03, 2025•9 min
Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Anglo-Saxon populace mounted several resistance efforts against William the Conqueror's rule. These uprisings were driven by widespread resentment towards the oppressive methods employed by Norman authorities and the displacement of Anglo-Saxon landholders. In 1067, Eadric 'The Wild' led one of the earliest rebellions in Herefordshire, collaborating with Welsh princes to raid Norman positions. The most significant insurrection occurred betwee...
Feb 24, 2025•10 min
In Anglo-Saxon England, murder was regarded as a serious crime, and there were various legal practices and customs in place for dealing with it. These practices evolved over the course of the Anglo-Saxon period (roughly 5th to 11th centuries) and were largely shaped by both customary law and Christian teachings. The way murder was handled depended on the social status of the individuals involved, the nature of the crime, and the region in which it occurred. Anglo-Saxon England relied on a mixtur...
Jan 22, 2025•21 min
S. A. Swaffington’s Exploration of the Supernatural in the Anglo-Saxon World S. A. Swaffington, an acclaimed scholar of medieval cultures, delves deeply into the mysterious and spiritually rich world of the Anglo-Saxons in her recent work, The Supernatural World of the Anglo-Saxons . Swaffington’s research illuminates how the early medieval English perceived the unseen forces that shaped their lives—a world populated by gods, spirits, and enigmatic beings. The Anglo-Saxon supernatural world was ...
Dec 23, 2024•5 min
Yule is a pagan celebration rooted in Northern European traditions, marking the winter solstice (around December 21–22). It celebrates the return of the sun and the renewal of life. Common customs include burning a Yule log, decorating with evergreens, feasting, and honoring nature’s cycles. Christmas , on the other hand, is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. While it has religious significance, many of its traditions, like decorating trees, gift-giving, an...
Dec 10, 2024•8 min
The conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity from the 6th to the 8th centuries was a transformative period in British history. It not only marked the decline of the old heathen gods but also represented a profound shift in the cultural and spiritual landscape of England. Christianity spread rapidly across Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, supported by royal patrons and foreign missionaries. However, this transformation was not a simple case of one religion replacing another; it involved a strategic as...
Oct 14, 2024•18 min
Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Leather working Leather working was an essential craft in Anglo-Saxon England (circa 5th to 11th centuries) and played a crucial role in everyday life. The Anglo-Saxons were skilled artisans who relied on natural resources for crafting items, and leather was highly prized for its durability and versatility. The leather working process during this period involved a blend of practical craftsmanship and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Leather was ...
Sep 10, 2024•17 min
The spear has been a crucial weapon in English warfare, both for its versatility and its effectiveness in various military contexts. Its use spans from the early medieval period through the Renaissance, reflecting the evolution of military tactics and societal changes. During the early medieval period, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon era (5th to 11th centuries), the spear was a primary weapon for warriors. The typical Anglo-Saxon spear featured a wooden shaft with an iron spearhead, often used f...
Jul 28, 2024•9 min
The billhook, often referred to simply as a "bill," is a traditional weapon that originated in medieval Europe, primarily used by infantry soldiers. It evolved from an agricultural tool used for pruning and cutting branches. Here's an overview of its use in warfare: Design and Features Blade Shape: The billhook has a distinctive curved blade with a hook at the end. This design allowed it to be effective in both slashing and hooking motions. Pole: It was mounted on a long wooden pole, typically 5...
Jun 07, 2024•8 min
The "Broken Back Seax" is a type of knife or dagger that was characteristic of the Anglo-Saxons, the Germanic inhabitants of England from the 5th century AD until the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name "seax" itself refers to a type of single-edged knife that was commonly used among the Germanic peoples during this time period. The term "broken back" refers to the shape of the blade. A Broken Back Seax typically has a straight cutting edge for the majority of the blade's length, but towards the t...
May 10, 2024•11 min
In Anglo-Saxon England, hide tanning was a significant craft. Hides were processed to create leather, which served various purposes, including clothing, footwear, armor, and household items. Here are some true facts about hide tanning in Anglo-Saxon England: Importance of Leather : Leather was a crucial material in Anglo-Saxon society, used for a wide range of products due to its durability and versatility. It played a vital role in daily life, from clothing to tools to housing. Tanning Methods ...
Apr 22, 2024•9 min
Anglo-Saxon folklore is rich with tales of supernatural beings and shape-shifting entities, though werewolves specifically were not as prominent as in other European cultures. Instead, there was a focus on various mythical creatures, spirits, and magical beings. The Anglo-Saxons believed in shape-shifters and creatures capable of transforming into animals or other forms. Witches and sorcerers were said to possess the ability to change shape, reflecting a belief in the supernatural and the myster...
Mar 21, 2024•25 min
The Anglo-Saxon spear was a crucial weapon in the arsenal of the Anglo-Saxon warriors during the early medieval period, particularly in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. It was one of the primary weapons used by infantry soldiers, alongside swords, axes, and shields. Key features of the Anglo-Saxon spear included: Design : The spear typically consisted of a wooden shaft, often around 6 to 9 feet in length, with a spearhead attached at one end. The spearhead could be made of iron or ste...
Feb 16, 2024•16 min
England was one of the wealthiest kingdoms in Europe. This was due to successful farming and trade in the towns and villages. The king, his earls and Heathenry all profited from this through taxes. The Anglo-Saxon community in England was basically a rural one. Most people depended on the land for survival. At the top of the social system was the royal house. This consisted of the king and aethelings who claimed a common ancestry with the king.
Jan 08, 2024•24 min
The werewolf is a creature of folklore and legend commonly referred to as a ‘man-wolf’ or ‘wolf-man’. Medieval superstition describes them as individuals transformed, or who can transform at will, into a wolf. In France the creature is called a loup-garou . In Anglo Saxon Folklore Werewolves were either protectors or villians, but this story breaches the gap between Humans and the Werewolf.
Nov 14, 2023•7 min
This episode is about Anglo Saxon Martial Arts. The Shield Wall: A Formation of Resilience The shield wall strategy stood as an emblem of Anglo-Saxon martial prowess. Warriors, united in purpose and armed with shields, formed an unyielding barrier against enemy assaults. The cohesion, discipline, and unbreakable spirit exhibited in the shield wall not only thwarted adversaries but also showcased the strength of their societal bonds. B. Naval Warfare: Navigating the Waters of Battle Anglo-Saxon m...
Nov 14, 2023•8 min
2 Beowulf, ll. (739-45) The text reads: “Nor did the creature keep him waiting / but strucked suddenly and started in; / he grabbed and mauled a man on his bench, / bit into his bone-lappings, bolted down his blood / and gorged on him in lumps, leaving the body / utterly lifeless, eaten up / hand and foot.”
Oct 06, 2023•8 min
The history of witchcraft is complex, and often raises more questions than it answers. Where did witches come from? And did they always arrive on broomsticks? Among the most common uses for magic was for healing. Lacking any kind of organized medical care system, they pieced together charms and poultices to take care of the common health problems. But they also used charms to protect, both themselves and their belongings. Chief amongst their property was cattle. The Anglo-Saxon word for "cattle"...
Oct 06, 2023•6 min
Archaeological sites such as Sutton Hoo have given us an insight to the historical information of the Anglo-Saxon period. Sutton Hoo is the site of two 6th and 7th century cemeteries near Woodbridge, Suffolk. It first began to be excavated in 1939, and was found to contain many Anglo-Saxon wonders, including an undisturbed ship burial. This site, among others, has given us an interesting insight into the life of Anglo-Saxon people, their customs, and of course their jewellery. Anglo Saxon jewell...
Oct 06, 2023•6 min
Monsters abound in Anglo-Saxon literature. One type of monster that shows up again and again is the cannibal. Heroes such as Beowulf and Andreas face humanoid monsters that threaten to literally consume their victims. This Monster is based on Grendel.
Sep 23, 2023•11 min
English in the Byzantine Armed Forces: The Varangian Guard and Anglo-Saxon Ethnic Consciousness One of the most interesting episodes in Byzantine military history and in medieval English history is the Anglo-Saxon participation and service in the Varangian Guards regiment from the late 11th to the early 13th century. Byzantine army became increasingly dependent upon mercenary forces. into service of the Byzantine Emperor were Anglo-Saxons, who eventually made up the main component of the traditi...
Sep 23, 2023•6 min
In the days of King Alfred the Great, when the moon was full and its pale light bathed the land in an eerie glow, a terror stalked the kingdom of Wessex. The people whispered tales of bloodthirsty creatures, half-human and half-beast, that roamed the countryside under the curse of the werewolf. As the legend grew, fear gripped the hearts of villagers, and they dreaded the coming of the full moon.
Aug 24, 2023•9 min
n the annals of history, the swords of the Anglo-Saxons stand as both artifacts of exquisite craftsmanship and vessels of profound symbolism. These blades, hailing from a time when metallurgy was an art form and weaponry held cultural significance, offer a gateway into the values, warfare techniques, and societal norms of the early Germanic tribes that inhabited England from the 5th to the 11th century. This exploration delves deep into the world of Anglo-Saxon swords, unearthing their typologie...
Aug 24, 2023•6 min
Medieval Mallorca 1346Jaume Ferrer, Mallorcan navigator set sail on 10th August to sail along the coast of Africa to Senegal and, perhaps, even to Niger. His journey is depicted in the Catalan Atlas. 1348 Palma was devastated by one of the most virulent of all strains of the Black Death that erupted during the Middle Ages and there were more than 5,000 deaths in the town.1375The Catalan Atlas, one of the masterpieces of the Mallorcan School of Cartography1391The widening gap between the rich and...
Aug 18, 2023•14 min
The Anglo-Saxons believed in supernatural creatures such as Elves and Dwarves and giants ("Etins") who often brought harm to men. It is likely that they believed in Wyrd (German "werden"), usually translated as "fate," although the modern term fate does little justice to the true meaning of Wyrd. Being a Germanic people, the Anglo-Saxons worshiped the same gods as the Norse and other Germanic peoples. The names are slightly different due to the differences in language among the Germanic peoples....
Aug 09, 2023•20 min
Eadric Streona , (“The Acquisitor”) Eadric also spelled Edric , (died 1017), ealdorman of the Mercians, who, though a man of ignoble birth, was advanced to the revived office of ealdorman by the English king Ethelred II whose daughter Eadgyth Eadric married. Little is known of Eadric’s origins. His appointment to the office of ealdorman in 1007 was probably an attempt by Ethelred to unite south-central England under one command. He is generally considered an arch traitor in the struggle between ...
Jul 18, 2023•10 min
Hel and her kingdom In Germanic mythology, Hel is a figure associated with the realm of the dead, also known as Helheim. Hel is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. She is described as having a half-living, half-dead appearance, with one side of her body appearing normal and the other side being decaying or skeletal. Helheim, or "Hel's realm," is one of the nine realms in Germanic mythology and is often depicted as an underworld or afterlife realm. It is a cold and d...
Jul 01, 2023•16 min
