The Battle of Maldon

“The Wanderer" by Anonymous (10th Century)

An Old English poem dating from the 10th century, “The Wanderer” was found in the Exeter Book (a collection of Anglo-Saxon poetry). While it doesn’t feature an epic battle, this poem contains elements of Anglo-Saxon culture similar to "The Battle of Maldon," such as the relationship between a lord and his vassals. In "The Wanderer," a warrior, who has lost his kinsmen through battle or exile and whose lord has died, wanders the sea and land reminiscing on better days.

“The Wife’s Lament" by Anonymous (10th Century)

Also discovered amongst the pages of the Exeter Book, “The Wife’s Lament” details a woman’s worries and sorrows as her husband leaves for war. Facing troubles living amongst his kinsfolk without him, she is then permanently exiled, either through her husband's death or through manipulation by his kin. She ends by wishing sadness on her husband, that he will also think of their happier times together.

“The Seafarer” by Anonymous (10th Century)

Similarly to the other poems listed here, “The Seafarer” was first located in the Exeter Book. Also, like “The Wanderer,” it focuses on the life of one cut off from family and friends.