old English wasn't the first form o

old English wasn't the first form of English created, but it's the foundation of our modern day English. It has come down from many variations of other languages but it's roots came from the West-Germanic language. The old English language had many variations occur from the fifth century to the mid twelfth century. This was due to all the wars in Europe over land and the struggle for power. The language spoken was, for the most part, a result of whoever had power. Generally, a society would speak the language of the king since these earlier eras believed in the divine right of the king. Most people in modern day America would not be able to understand the language and writings of this time. As a matter a fact they, wouldn't be able to recognize some of the letters. Beowulf was one novel written in the old English language during the year 1066 and is just one example of the complex forms of old English. Written towards the end of old English and the start of middle English, there were many centuries before and after Beowulf where the old English language was still evolving; however, it was the first writing recorded in history that used the old English language. Many of the characters and spelling are far from similar to modern day. It is obvious that the English language has come a long way when taking a look at an example from Beowulf, "Hwæt. We Gardena in geardagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon. Oft Scyld Scefing sceaþena/ þreatum." To the majority of English speakers this writing makes no sense at all, but when it is translated into modern English like so "LO, praise of the prowess of people-kings, of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped, we have heard, and what honor the athelings won! Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes." It is much easier to comprehend.