Compare And Contrast The Dream Of The Rood And Hymn

Although The Dream of the Rood and Caedmon’s Hymn stand alone as great pieces of Anglo-Saxon literature, closer analysis of the similarities in each poem reveals the blending of Christian and pagan values to subconsciously indoctrinate the people of early England for the eventual mass conversion of the entire island itself. The focus will largely be on the structure of these two works as well as the motivation behind each piece of literature. The structure of these pieces are displayed in a specific, purposeful way to enable them to be more appealing and familiar to early Anglo-Saxon England. Another aspect of this essay will be the underlying themes in each tale and what greater purpose they serve in the church’s plan to convert the island. Both of these works present several themes on the surface, however, a critical analysis reveals several hidden themes that perpetuate the agenda of the early church in England. Another theme we often see in early English works has been the influence of the supernatural, though these works transform the supernatural into miraculous events for the good of humanity. Each of these works transform, or blend the traditional pagan values

of the time into Christian models for behavior and this essay will analyze the way each trait either pagan or Christian expresses itself in the literature.

Throughout this journal Tampierova analyzes the blend of Christian and pagan values within The Dream of the Rood. Germanic and Celtic tradition was the main religious influence on early English people and this aspect is examined throughout the journal. She then states that a tree is the most widespread religious symbol ever and was an important symbol of early English religion as early English people referred to it as axis Mundi. Within this she states the two extremes the tree represents life and death as it later becomes the cross. This symbolically represents the death or transformation of the Germanic/Celtic religion as the tree is transformed into the cross; symbolic of Christ and Christianity. Another aspect the author notes lies within the title “The dream,” dreams and visions had important implications in Germanic and Celtic religions as they were believed to foretell the future, thus the author has strategically chosen this format in which to best introduce the idea. This source is extremely useful as it displays the characteristics of early Germanic and Celtic religions to reveal the strategy the author used to create an extremely influential and powerful work. This source fits excellently into my chosen topic as it effectively outlines the reflection of many of the ideas of early English peoples while intertwining the Christian ideas to ultimately promote the story of Christ.

Within this journal Thomas discusses the importance the symbol of the cross with The Dream of the Rood.

He also details the role of the cross in the crucifixion of Christ and the paradox the rood faces in the execution of its creator. Thomas also notes the fate of the rood which is adorned after Christ rises. He also creates an excellent visual image of what early Anglo-Saxon soldiers might see during battle and compares this to the descriptions the rood gives during and after the execution of Christ. This source is useful because it presents an outstanding comparison between Anglo-Saxon society and the passion of Christ. This article fits well with my selected topic because it enables me to outline an analysis of medieval battle and the experience of Christ during the days leading to his

crucifixion.

This journal places Caedmon’s hymn at the centerpiece of early English Christian literature by referring to it as the bible of early English Christian writings. During this journal Orchard discusses the background and life of Bede as well as what we know about Caedmon’s early life. This article is extremely helpful because it details the author’s life in addition to his motives for creating this piece of literature. Orchard also notes that while the church had a large influence on Bede several of his opponents proposed other virtues may have motivated him such as fame and recognition. This journal is important because it presents Bede and his work in an impartial light which illuminates the essence of Caedmon’s hymn allowing us to trace the line where pagan and Christian values cross.