OLD ENGLISH PROSE (c.
9th–11th century)
While Old English poetry flourished earlier (mainly oral and alliterative), Old
English prose gained momentum in the 9th century, particularly under King
Alfred the Great, who led a major cultural revival. His efforts aimed to
translate Latin religious and philosophical texts into English, making
learning accessible to a wider Anglo-Saxon audience.
Old English prose, written in the vernacular (Old English) instead of Latin,
became a tool for education, religious instruction, law, and history.
Characteristics of Old English Prose
Feature Description
Most prose was written to teach religious or moral
Didactic Purpose
values, or to convey historical and legal knowledge.
Stylistically and structurally influenced by Latin
Influence of Latin
models, especially in syntax and vocabulary.
Rhythmic but Non- Lacks the strict alliteration and meter of poetry, but
Metrical often uses balanced clauses and parallelism.
Alliterative and
Some early prose retains features from oral traditions.
Formulaic Traces
Many texts are translations or adaptations of Latin
Translational Nature
works, especially Christian texts.
Language is plain, repetitive, and straightforward,
Clear and Direct Style
often designed for memorization or preaching.
West Saxon dialect became dominant in prose due to
Regional Variation
King Alfred's literary reforms.
MAJOR TYPES OF OLD ENGLISH PROSE
1.Religious Prose
Most Old English prose was theological in nature. It was used to instruct the
laity, educate clergy, and promote Christian morality.
Key Authors and Works:
• Ælfric of Eynsham (c. 955 – c. 1010)
o Most important prose writer of the late Old English period.
o Wrote Homilies, Lives of Saints, and Grammar (the first Latin
grammar written in a European vernacular).
o Noted for his rhythmic, alliterative prose and didactic clarity.
• Wulfstan (Archbishop of York) (d. 1023)
o Known for the Sermo Lupi ad Anglos ("Sermon of the Wolf to the
English"), a fiery homily against sin and social decay.
o His style was rhetorically powerful, using repetition, parallelism,
and apocalyptic warnings.
• Old English translations of the Bible:
o Genesis, Exodus, Daniel, and the Gospels were rendered into
prose and verse forms.
o Often combined literal translation with interpretive
commentary.
2. Historical Prose
Old English prose was used to record events, both contemporary and
legendary, making it one of the earliest vehicles for English historical writing.
Key Work:
• The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (begun c. 890)
o Commissioned by King Alfred, this is a year-by-year account of
English history from Roman times to the 12th century.
o Maintained in different monasteries, resulting in multiple versions
(A, B, C, D, etc.).
o Contains not just history, but also legend, poetry, and genealogy.
o Written in simple, direct Old English, it reflects both political and
national identity.
3. Legal Prose
The codification of laws and customs in Old English helped consolidate royal
authority and Christian norms.
Key Examples:
• Law Codes of King Æthelbert (7th century) – First English legal text.
• Law Codes of King Alfred, Ine, and Cnut – These combined Christian
ethics with traditional Germanic law.
Features:
• Concise and prescriptive.
• Contain social classifications, penalties, compensations, and codes of
behaviour.
• Reflect both pagan customs and Christian morality.
4. Scientific and Educational Prose
Old English prose was also used to teach grammar, science, medicine, and
philosophy, especially under Alfred’s reforms.
Key Works:
• King Alfred’s Translations (9th century):
o Translated major Latin works into Old English to educate clergy
and nobles.
o Notable translations:
▪ Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
▪ Pope Gregory’s Pastoral Care
▪ Orosius’ Histories Against the Pagans
▪ Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People
(translated partially)
o Alfred sometimes added his own commentary and
interpretation.
• Leechbooks:
o Early medical texts in Old English.
o Contain recipes, remedies, and herbal treatments—some with
supernatural elements.
SIGNIFICANCE OF OLD ENGLISH PROSE
1. Cultural and Intellectual Revival:
o Under Alfred and later ecclesiastical writers, prose became a tool to
preserve and transmit knowledge.
2. Linguistic Development:
o Helped standardize the West Saxon dialect as the literary
language of the period.
3. Bridge Between Latin and Vernacular:
o Made religion, science, and philosophy accessible to a wider
audience.
4. Historical Record:
o Texts like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle provide invaluable insight
into early medieval English history.
5. Foundation for Later English Prose:
o Influenced the rhetoric and style of Middle English prose,
especially in religious and didactic writing.
