The Cynewulf Group: Old English Christian Poetry
Overview: Cynewulf is a designated Christian poet of the Anglo-Saxon period (9th century). Unlike the legendary Cædmon, Cynewulf was a scholar whose identity is verified through runic signatures woven into the text of his four surviving poems.
1. Who was Cynewulf?
- Era: 9th Century Anglo-Saxon Christian poet.
- Origin: Likely from the Northumbria or Mercia region.
- Style: His work is more scholarly and explores deeper theological ideas compared to the Cædmon group.
- Signature: He is famous for weaving his name in Runes within the text of his poems, allowing scholars to attribute them definitively.
Visual representation of Christian Elegiac Poetry in Old English Literature.
2. The Four Signed Poems
Four poems are universally attributed to Cynewulf due to his runic signatures. They are written in the Anglian dialect and are primarily translations or adaptations from Latin sources.
A. Christ II (The Ascension)
- A poetic adaptation of Pope Gregory the Great’s homily on the Ascension.
B. Juliana
- A retelling of the life and martyrdom of Saint Juliana.
- Focuses on her resistance against pagan pressure and the devil.
C. Elene
- Recounts Saint Helena’s (mother of Constantine) journey to Jerusalem.
- Describes the discovery of the True Cross.
- Considered Cynewulf's masterpiece.
D. The Fates of the Apostles
- A short poem of 122 lines.
- Essentially a martyrology recounting the deaths of the twelve apostles.
3. Other Works & The Dream of the Rood
Other works often associated with the Cynewulfian school include The Phœnix and various Riddles found in the Exeter Book.
The Dream of the Rood
This is considered the finest of Old English religious poems. It is a dream vision in which the Cross (Rood) speaks to the dreamer.
🎯 Exam Point: Asked in UGC NET English The Dream of the Rood is a unique visionary poem where the Cross itself narrating the story of Christ’s passion and crucifixion is the central literary device.