THE DREAM OF THE ROOD

THE DREAM OF THE ROOD: What makes this old poem so special?

Of all the nature-related symbolism in British literature I think this one takes the cake. The story of Christ's death on the cross is retold from the prospective of the tree that was cut to make the cross. It sounds like some new gimmick to get people to relate to the christian gospel but it's actually a lovely ancient poem from around the tenth century. The Dream of the Rood tells the tale of Christ's passion in a heroic style influenced by a blend of Anglo-saxton heroic verse and Christian content.

In the poem, the tree tells a very illustrative and personal tale of it's experience. The tree is cut down by christ's enemies to be formed into an instrument of torture. The cross is personified and fights alongside Christ in a battle-like struggle to save the souls of humankind.

"Then I saw the Lord of mankind hasten with stout heart, for he would climb upon me. I dared no bow or break against God's word when I saw earth's surface tremble. I might have felled all foes but I stood fast."

Both suffer and both are honored as victorious in the resurrection.

"On me God's son suffered a while; therefore I tower now glorious under the heavens, and I may heal every one of those who hold me in awe."

The cross explains that he is honored to serve God as an symbol that continues to brings salvation to people.

"Behold, the Lord of Glory honored me over all the trees of the world... just as he also honored his mother Mary... over all woman's kind."

(not finished)