Why Were Jutes Considered an Ethnic Germanic Group in Ancient Times but Now They Are Only Danes Like the Rest of the Region of Jutland?

The Jutes, alongside the Angles and Saxons, were prominent early Germanic tribes who played a significant role in the migration and transformation of Anglo-Saxon England. This article delves into the historical origins, movements, and cultural shifts that have led to the current understanding of these groups. We will also explore the transition from the Jutes to the Danes and the influence of Celtic Christianity on their identity.

The Migration and Settlement of Jutes, Angles, and Saxons

The Jutes, Angles, and Saxons lived in Jutland (now the eastern part of Denmark), and together they emigrated to England, settling in various regions. In 536-540 CE, about 100,000 Jutes migrated from Angeln, leading to the depopulation of Angeln and the repopulation of Frisia by the Jutes, whom became the new Frisians when the old Frisians had left (Woolf, 2011). These migrations were significant in shaping the early Anglo-Saxon landscape.

Following the Jutes, Norse Danes moved into Jutland from the east, eventually leading to the contemporary Danish presence in the region. Some Jutes also settled in Kent and Canterbury, where they contributed to the formation of Kentish culture. The town Horsens in Jutland is named after the legendary Jutish brothers Hengist and Horsa, whose names mean 'stallion' and 'horse' (Kruse, 2019).

Historical Context and Linguistic vs. Ethnic Identity

The term 'Germanic' refers to a cultural and linguistic category, as historians are cautious about speculating on the ethnic identity of ancient people (Fr? descended, 2011). The Jutes, Angles, and Saxons were collectively known as Germanic tribes. However, modern classifications are based on geographical and cultural shifts rather than purely ethnic origins.

The Norse Presence and the Danes

The Norse Danes, who migrated from Scandinavia, settled along Jutland, leading to the contemporary presence of Danes in the region. The Danish marches area in Angeln, where the Danevirke fortification was established, highlights the historical tension between the Danes and other groups (Keveny Keveny, 2013).

The Role of Celtic Christianity in Shaping Identity

During the 7th century, Celtic Christianity, brought by Gaelic missionaries, had a profound impact on the cultural and religious landscape of the region. The term 'Celtic Rite' refers to various liturgical practices in Britain, Ireland, and Brittany (Stancliffe, 2008).

Monasticism and Early Medieval Literature

The earliest known writings in Denmark, date back to the 7th century. One of the earliest authors was Virgilius Maro Grammaticus, a Hiberno-Latin author known for two early medieval grammatical texts (Epitomae and Epistolae) (O'Reilly, 2015).

The Hiberno-Scottish mission, consisting of disciples of Columbanus and other Irish missionaries, played a crucial role in spreading Celtic Christianity across Europe. They founded numerous monasteries in areas that are now France, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Some of the most significant foundations include:

St. Gall in Switzerland Disibodenberg in the Rhine-Palatinate St. Paul's at Besanon Lure and Cusance in the Diocese of Besanon Bèze in the Diocese of Langres Remiremont Abbey and Moyenmoutier Abbey in the Diocese of Toul Fosses-la-Ville in the Diocese of Liège Mont Saint-Quentin at Péronne Ebersmunster in Lower Alsace St. Martins at Cologne Scots Monastery at Regensburg Vienna Erfurt and Würzburg

Similarly, in Italy, Fiesole saw the rise of Saint Donatus of Fiesole and Andrew the Scot of Fiesole, alongside other significant monasteries that emerged throughout the region (Powell Robbins, 2017).

Conclusion

The Jutes, as part of the Germanic tribes, played a crucial role in the early history of Britain and Denmark. Their identity evolved over time due to cultural and demographic changes, influenced by the Danes and the spread of Celtic Christianity. Understanding the complex interplay between migration, religious practices, and cultural identity is essential for grasping the historical narrative of these early Germanic groups.

References:

Fr? descended. (2011). Germanic tribes. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from Keveny, L., Keveny, M. (2013). The Danesvirke and the Kingdom of the Danes: Frederick VIII's Mantelstrymning. Museerne Slottregnue. Kruse, E. (2019). Horsens: The Town Named After the Legendary Brothers. Historie og Ark?ologi. Retrieved from O'Reilly, C. (2015). Virgilius Maro Grammaticus: An Irish Scholar in the Carolingian Empire. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Powell, B., Robbins, J. (2017). The Hiberno-Scottish Monastic Mission in Europe. Irish Medieval Association. Stancliffe, S. (2008). The Book of Celtic Christian Wisdom. Inner Traditions. Woolf, G. (2011). From Pictland to Alba, 789-1070. Edinburgh University Press.