The Saxon Myth and Its Misconceptions: Debunking Unfounded Beliefs

Often, the term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; is overused and misunderstood, especially in 21st-century discourse. This article aims to clarify common misconceptions about the Saxons and their role in British history, focusing on the actual historical facts.

Introduction to the Saxons

The term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; did not originally refer to a specific race or tribe in Britain. It was later used to describe a group of Germanic tribes that migrated to Britain. However, it is important to distinguish between the historical facts and later recordings that have led to many misunderstandings.

The barbarians that invaded Britain during the late Roman period are often colloquially referred to as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, but in reality, these groups were diverse, and their territories were not as geographically defined as commonly believed. The Belgic people, such as the Atrebates and Cantii in what is now northern France, had ceased to be a meaningful political entity long before the Anglo-Saxon migration.

Historical Context of the Saxons

The Saxons, as a distinct group, began to emerge in historical accounts during the late Roman period and early Middle Ages. Their influence on the British landscape was significant, but their occupation was not confined to the Belgic regions of Britain. The Saxons, who were primarily from regions in modern-day Germany and the Netherlands, occupied much of the southern and eastern shores of Britain, except for areas such as Somerset and Devon, which they conquered much more slowly.

It is also noteworthy that the term lsquo;Saxonrsquo;rsquo; did not originate with the Irish. It is an ethnonym that referred to a distinctive type of dagger, the Saxo, which was culturally significant to the Saxons and their descendants. The term itself was used by both Roman and Celtic peoples to describe these Germanic groups before any Irish involvement.

The Use and Origin of the Term lsquo;Saxonrsquo;

The first references to the term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; appear in historical writings from the 6th to the 8th centuries. Before then, there was no specific language called Saxon in Britain. The language that was spoken in England at the time is now referred to as ‘Old English’.

The term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; is often misused today by non-British people, especially in the context of Celtic Christianity and early medieval history. The linguistic, cultural, and territorial definitions of the Saxons have been blurred over time, leading to widespread misunderstandings.

Documentation and Evidence

Theories linking the term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; to the river Exe or to trade terms such as ‘sack on/onboard’ are not well-supported by historical evidence. There is a mention of a Saxon king called Waegdaeg, and it is noted that the 7th-century Irish writers Muirchu and Tirechan wrote about Saint Patrick, possibly re-written in the 7th century following the introduction of word separation.

High King Muiredach Tirech, who lived in the 4th century, had roots in Britain and Gaul, and his ancestry includes Emperor Claudius. This demonstrates the historical connections between the early Irish and British populations, further complicating the simplistic notions of Saxon identity and influence.

The Celtic Christianity Period and Beyond

The term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; was used during the Celtic Christianity period, which spanned from roughly 300 AD to 1500 AD. Important religious figures such as Saint Patrick used this term, and it persisted in Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Cornish languages. However, the idea of a unified Saxon people or kingdom is a myth.

Old English, the language of England during the Anglo-Saxon period, was one of several dialects documented from the 7th to the 9th century. It is derived from these early written forms and influenced by the Hiberno-Latin used in many monasteries and religious establishments across Europe.

Monastic and Religious Influences

The Hiberno-Latin language, used by Saint Patrick and other early figures, was a hybrid language that included influences from British and Irish languages, as well as Greek and Hebrew. This language was used in monastic education centers, churches, and cathedrals, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of medieval Britain.

Early monastic centers, such as those in Ireland and Britain, played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting early written forms of Old English. The Tironian notes, used by monasteries across Europe, were documented as being in use until the 17th century, indicating their importance in early education and record-keeping.

In conclusion, the term lsquo;Saxonrsquo; has been mistakenly used and expanded over time, leading to a series of misconceptions about the historical Saxons. By examining the actual historical evidence and linguistic records, we can better understand the complex interactions and migrations of peoples in early medieval Britain.