Anglo-Saxon paganism

Anglo-Saxon paganism refers to the religious beliefs and practices followed by the Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes who migrated to what is now England and parts of southern Scotland, from the 5th century until the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, which was largely complete by the late 7th century. This form of paganism was closely related to the religious practices of other Germanic peoples of the time and shared many similarities with Norse paganism, which is better documented due to later sources.

Beliefs and Practices

Anglo-Saxon paganism was polytheistic, worshipping a pantheon of deities, with gods such as Woden, equivalent to the Norse Odin, and Thunor, equivalent to Thor, being among the most venerated. These deities represented various aspects of life and the natural world, including war, fertility, and weather. The religion also had a strong belief in spirits and supernatural entities inhabiting the natural world, such as elves and dwarfs.

Rituals and religious practices were an integral part of Anglo-Saxon paganism. These included sacrifices of animals and possibly humans, feasting in honor of the gods, and the erection of standing stones or wooden totems. Sacred sites, often natural features such as rivers, trees, and hills, played a significant role in worship and rituals.

Christianization

The process of Christianization began in the late 6th century, primarily through the efforts of missionaries sent by Pope Gregory the Great, such as Augustine of Canterbury. Over the following centuries, Christian beliefs and institutions gradually replaced Anglo-Saxon paganism. This transition was not always peaceful, with instances of resistance and relapse into paganism. However, by the 8th century, Christianity had become the dominant religion among the Anglo-Saxon elite, and by the late 7th century, it had spread widely among the general population.

Legacy

Despite its replacement by Christianity, Anglo-Saxon paganism has left a lasting legacy in England. Many place names, elements of folklore, and aspects of popular culture can be traced back to this early period. The study of Anglo-Saxon paganism is primarily through archaeological evidence, as there are limited contemporary written sources on the subject. This has led to a reliance on later Christian writings, which may present a biased view of the pagan past.

See Also

• Germanic paganism
• Norse mythology
• History of Anglo-Saxon England

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