A humble interpretation of “The Dream of the Rood”
In the beginning, a holy dream came to a man. He dreamed of a big tree. One so grand it radiated light and contained “precious gemstones” (16). Suddenly, it was clear to the man that this was “the Lord God’s tree” (17). However, the tree’s beauty soon shifted to horror and blood stained it’s “right side” (20). The man then embraced the tree out of sympathy and began to hear the tree speak to him.
This is when we as an audience see the speaker shift from man to the tree.
The tree begins to painfully recollect being kidnapped from the woods and carved. That its intended destiny was to “parade [their] criminals” (31). Nonetheless, to the tree’s surprise he was to bare none other than Christ himself. It was at this moment the tree made an oath. That he, the tree, “did not dare act against the Lord’s word/ bow down or fall to pieces” (35–36). Christ was mounted onto the tree just as the tree was mounted onto Christ. Heroically they stood firm with but a few watching them, until they were buried.
Now, the tree boasts that people look upon and pray to him as if he were Christ (this is because Christ was crucified on the tree, and thus became a symbol of Christ). The tree then tells of Christ, “the lord of glory, guardian of Heaven,” and his sacrifice for man (90). So that man may experience victory over death, just as Christ had done when “He suffered on that tree” (114). For this is why men pray to the tree, so that they may experience victory over death.
This is when we as an audience see the speaker shift back from the tree to the man.
In conclusion, the man has a new appreciation for life. And he has found hope again after once being hopeless. He praises the tree and seeks “joy in Paradise” (140).
Upon reading “The Dream of the Rood,” it is very easy to get lost. Whether it be the rich vernacular of the Anglo Saxons or the overall story, there is a lot going on. From the variation of speakers and the clever use of literary devices to the poignant tone and the exotic writing style. It is clear that the tree isn’t just a tree, it’s the sign of the cross, and we are about to witness the Passion of Christ. In addition, the mysterious origins of this piece of literature shroud it in allure. In all to me, the story focuses on man. Man’s discovery of self, nature, and God. That through God man can achieve his peace. Yet, my understanding simply doesn’t do the poem justice. Thus, it is important to read “The Dream of the Rood” in its entirety multiple times before formulating your own opinions. Nevertheless, those who first had access to this poem in the middle ages presumably did not read it, rather they heard about it. And in order to better reflect, I will attempt to do the same.
After hearing “The Dream of the Rood,” I am perplexed by the talking tree that can guide man. Could this be a ploy to convert me if I were a pagan? That Christians, not just pagans, talk stories of non-human things. Or if I am already a firm believer in the Christian doctrine, could the talking tree be a version of the Holy Spirit/ God? Whatever the case may be, talking trees sure do make good stories. And if people care so much to talk about that tree or trees, I should learn more. Also, the ability of Christ to be courageous in the face of death is inspiring regardless of faith. He sounds like the ultimate warrior. To suffer, die, and be buried and somehow come out stronger sounds something out of a fantasy. A fantasy that I want to live. That as Christians we all can conquer death and emerge victorious the same as Christ sounds desirable to say the least. And it is for this reason I believe why this story stands the test of time.
