Mythology of the Anglo Saxons

Mythology of the Anglo Saxons

Author: Frank Docherty August 9, 2023 Duration: 19:48

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. For example, Thunor of the Anglo-Saxons was the same god as Thor of the Norse and Donar of the Germans. Likewise,Woden of the Anglo-Saxons is the same as Odin among the Norse and Wotan of the Germans.



Frank Docherty hosts The Wanderer, a podcast that moves through the deep forests and mead halls of early medieval England. This isn't a dry recitation of dates, but an exploration of how people thought, believed, and told stories. You’ll hear discussions on the foundational myths and local spirits that populated the Anglo-Saxon world, understanding how folklore was woven into daily life. The conversation naturally extends to the complex religious landscape, from the old gods to the coming of Christianity, and how these forces collided and merged. History provides the anchor, examining the society and events that formed the backdrop for everything else. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering layers of a rich tapestry, where a heroic poem, a pagan ritual, and a historical king might all be connected. Each episode aims to make the distant past feel tangible and relevant, exploring the wisdom and the weirdness of a foundational era. The goal is to provide a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes, all while appreciating the haunting beauty of the language and ideas left behind. It’s for anyone curious about the roots of stories and the echoes of a world that still subtly shapes our own.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion
Podcast Episodes
Hide Tanning in Anglo Saxon England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:06
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 abou…
Anglo Saxon Folklore and the Werewolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:52
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 mythic…
The Anglo Saxon Spear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:58
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 b…
Anglo Saxon Society [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
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 commun…
Anglo Saxon Werewolves and Pacts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:22
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…
Anglo Saxon Martial Arts, [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:39
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, f…
The Vampyre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:22
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…
The Witch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:46
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…
Anglo Saxon Gems and Jewellery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:23
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 be…
The Cannibal Giant [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:50
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. Th…