The Anglo-Saxon monk, priest and bishop Wulfstan (†1023) is, after Ælfric of Eynsham, the most famous author of Old English homilies. His alliterative prose, inventive vocabulary, and – most importantly – his fire-and-brimstone preaching style make him a joy to read. The scenes he invokes are both terrifying and captivating, and his descriptions of the invading Vikings as God’s punishment offer a unique glimpse into the mentality of a terrified English people in the 10th and 11th centuries. Come join us for a month of Anglo-Saxon “Old Time Religion” and see if you can master reciting the Old English phrase “Leofan men” with a Johnny Cash accent (suede tunic optional).

In this iteration, we will start with a new sermon: Wulfstan’s "On False Gods" before moving on to his more pious eschatological work. Wulfstan’s oeuvre is large, so each iteration of this module can focus on a different facet of his work.

Note: This unit is open to anyone who has a basic familiarity with the Old English language such as two or more modules of experience with Old English (or an equivalent language, like Old Norse or Middle High German). This means that the module is open both for veterans of the previous module on Wulfstan as well as new students at the late beginner, intermediate or advanced level.