Dream of the Rood Analysis

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This dynamic presents an intimate relationship between the Rood and Christ where the Rood personifies Christ's physical suffering and pain. This papers will analyze the intimate relationship between the Rood and Christ within Anglo-Saxon form, language and theme, in comparison to the Christian story of the Crucifixion. This will illustrate how the Rood-Poet interweaves Christian themes of salvation and virtue within heroic conventions and values of Anglo-Saxon culture.

In "The Dream of the Rood", the Rood illustrates it's own tale of suffering alongside the illustration of the Crucifixion. During this illustration, the Rood uses language and references which can be associated to Anglo-Saxon heroism. This is shown the "dreamer's" first encounter with the Rood, where he states that the Rood is "raised on high, circled round with light, the brightest of beams. All that beacon was covered in gold; gems stood fair at the earth's corners, and five there were up on the cross-beam" ...

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his roots. These examples illustrate the suffering of the Rood, where the Rood has been removed from nature, enslaved by foreign enemies, and forced into servitude as a torture tool.

The poet illustrates the Crucifixion through the personal account of the Rood using heroic and warrior comparisons to Jesus. This is shown in the lines "strong and courageous; [Christ] climbed up on the high gallows" (40). The use of the words "strong and courageous" refer to Christ as heroic. This heroism is further expressed in the line the "mighty King" (44). The poet is comparing Christ to attributes related to Anglo-saxon Kings such as, might and strength. The Crucifixion, as a battle, is shown through ...

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