English's history directly influences its present and will shape its future. Studying its trajectory helps us understand how languages evolve. Just like our favorite superhero movie sequels, each new version brings changes, but they’re still tied to their roots. Think of how Spiderman evolves with each new reboot, but Peter Parker remains central to the story.

English started around 450 CE with the arrival of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes (Germanic tribes) in England, like a "Language Game of Thrones". The Celtic tribes were pushed aside, and an "anglisc" language formed, just as the Starks, Lannisters and Targaryens fought for control in the series. Old English (450-1100 CE) is like ancient, cryptic Valyrian script to modern English speakers. The language started evolving under the influence of Norse invaders around the 900s, becoming a unique hybrid - a linguistic Direwolf, if you will.

The 1066 Norman conquest brought French influence, a linguistic version of a fusion restaurant where the high-end dishes (upper class) were French, and the pub grub (lower class) was English. After this Middle English period (1066-1500), English regained popularity but with a new French twist. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is a Middle English ‘menu’ with many recognizable dishes.