One of the most fascinating parts of the Norman invasion is how they managed to merge their culture with that of the dominant Anglo-Saxon culture in England. Instead of replacing it or wiping it out entirely, they fused. At the time, the Normans could be considered a more “civilised” people, who placed high emphasis on aristocracy, social structures, art, literature and imagination, whereas the Anglo-Saxons were fierce warriors who looked to their heroes, myths and legends for guidance, while celebrating the heroic deeds of their own fighters. These two highly different yet both equally interesting cultures merged to give birth to some of England’s most famous and iconic legends, such as that of King Arthur: a legendary and brave English warrior, which also catered towards the Norman concern for art, literature and romance.
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