The Anglo-Saxons were a group of tribes who inhabited England from the 5th to 11th centuries. Their beliefs and values were shaped by their cultural and religious traditions, as well as their experiences as warriors and farmers.
One of the most important Anglo-Saxon beliefs was the concept of wyrd, or fate. The Anglo-Saxons believed that every person had a predetermined path in life, and that it was impossible to escape one's wyrd. This belief was closely tied to the idea of fate being controlled by the gods, and many Anglo-Saxons believed that the gods could influence their lives through dreams, omens, and other supernatural events.
The Anglo-Saxons also placed a great emphasis on honor and reputation. A person's worth was often judged by their deeds, and it was important to maintain a good reputation in order to be respected by others. This belief was particularly strong among warrior cultures, as a reputation for bravery and strength was seen as essential to one's standing within the community.
Anglo-Saxon society was also heavily focused on the concept of loyalty. Loyalty to one's lord, kin, and community was seen as a crucial virtue, and betrayal was met with severe punishment. This emphasis on loyalty was closely tied to the Anglo-Saxon system of kinship, in which extended families were closely connected and were expected to support and protect one another.
Another important Anglo-Saxon value was the importance of work and self-sufficiency. The Anglo-Saxons were a primarily agricultural society, and hard work was seen as a virtue in itself. People were expected to contribute to the well-being of their community through their labor, and those who were unable to work due to age or disability were often seen as a burden on society.
In addition to these values, the Anglo-Saxons also placed a great emphasis on the importance of storytelling and oral tradition. They believed that stories were a way to preserve their history and cultural traditions, and they passed these stories down through the generations through the use of poetry and song.
Overall, the beliefs and values of the Anglo-Saxons were shaped by their cultural and religious traditions, as well as their experiences as warriors and farmers. These values were reflected in their social and political systems, and they continue to influence contemporary British culture in many ways.