How did the Anglo-Saxons regard bards and poetry?

In the early Anglo-Saxon era, which spans from the 5th to the 7th centuries, the societal roles and cultural significance of bards (also called scops or songsmiths) and poetry were prominent and highly regarded. Here are some key aspects of how Anglo-Saxons perceived bards and poetry:

1. Literary and Artistic Status: Bards were valued as gifted artists who held a significant position within the Anglo-Saxon society. They were respected as skilled wordsmiths and performers, and their art form was highly esteemed and encouraged.

2. Tradition and Cultural Heritage: Bards played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the rich oral tradition of the Anglo-Saxons. They memorized and recited stories, poems, heroic legends, and chronicles that passed down historical knowledge, cultural values, and moral lessons from one generation to another.

3. Entertainment and Patronage: Bards often performed in royal courts, noble households, and community gatherings, where they entertained the audience with their storytelling, music, and poetry. They were generously rewarded for their talent by their patrons, who recognized the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

4. Historical Record: Anglo-Saxon poetry, composed by bards, serves as a valuable historical record of the people, their customs, beliefs, and the events of their time. Notable Anglo-Saxon poems, such as "Beowulf," provide insights into the social structure, heroic ideals, and religious practices of the Anglo-Saxons.

5. Inspiration and Wisdom: Bards used their poetic skills to not only entertain but also to inspire and impart wisdom to their audience. They addressed themes such as heroism, loyalty, courage, and the ephemeral nature of life, offering moral guidance and philosophical teachings.

6. Symbolism and Metaphor: Anglo-Saxon poetry employed rich symbolism, kennings (compound words), and figurative language to convey emotions and ideas in innovative and evocative ways, further enhancing the appreciation and complexity of their poetic expressions.

7. Oral Tradition and Literacy: While Anglo-Saxon poetry was originally composed and transmitted orally, the advent of literacy and written texts during the later Anglo-Saxon period, especially after the Christianization of England, allowed some of these poetic works to be recorded and preserved in manuscripts, such as the "Beowulf" manuscript.

Overall, bards and poetry held a place of great honor and significance in Anglo-Saxon society. They served as entertainers, historians, and cultural gatekeepers, contributing to the preservation and celebration of the Anglo-Saxon identity and heritage through their artistic expressions.