þæelian

Þæelian refers to the linguistic and cultural revival movement centered around the reconstruction and promotion of Old English, particularly the language as it was spoken in the early medieval period. The term derives from the Old English word *þæ*, meaning "that," and *æ*, a letter representing the sound /æ/ in the Old English alphabet. This movement gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by scholars, poets, and enthusiasts seeking to preserve and revive elements of Anglo-Saxon heritage.

The movement was notably associated with figures such as **Þorold Þrymsley** (a pseudonym for the English poet and linguist **William Henry Davenport Adams**), who authored works in reconstructed Old English. Davenport Adams and others aimed to restore the language to its "original purity," emphasizing its use in poetry, religious texts, and cultural expression. Their efforts were partly inspired by the Romantic-era fascination with medieval traditions and a desire to counter perceived linguistic decline.

Þæelian revivalists often focused on reconstructing vocabulary, grammar, and orthography based on historical sources, including the works of **Ælfric** and other Old English authors. They also sought to revive the use of the Old English alphabet, known as the **runes** or **futhark**, particularly the Anglo-Saxon variant. While the movement had limited practical influence on modern English, it contributed to scholarly interest in historical linguistics and the preservation of Anglo-Saxon cultural identity.

Today, Þæelian remains a niche but enduring aspect of linguistic revivalism, appealing to those interested in historical languages, medieval studies, and cultural heritage. Its legacy lives on in modern reconstructions of Old English, as well as in the work of contemporary poets and writers who experiment with the language. The movement also intersects with broader efforts to revive other historical Germanic languages, such as Old Norse and Gothic.