“Dream of the Rood”

“Dream of the Rood” is a poem containing three sections surrounding the narrative of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the first section, the narrator introduces the topic being discussed by revealing that the story of Jesus’ crucifixion came to them in a dream. The second section, given in the voice of the cross, or tree, further elaborates on the events of the crucifixion discussed by the narrator in the first section. The narrator of the first section narrates the third section, and this section discusses the narrator’s love towards the lord and the cross as well as their desire to enter the Kingdom of God once they die.

The personification of the cross/tree provides a different perspective of the crucifixion. Typically, an “outsider,” or someone who did not directly experience the crucifixion, describes the events that took place. In this case, an object that had a direct experience with the events gives their perspective. Although Jesus does not tell the story himself, the cross is another figure that played an essential and traumatic role in the crucifixion. The cross’ point of view is also not usually told since it is an object and not a person, so the cross’s description of the events is unique.

The poem is a text used to convert Anglo-Saxon pagans to Christianity as well. The portrayal of Jesus Christ as a hero through his actions helped Christians with their cause. Christ’s willingness to suffer to answer for the sins of the world and his action of releasing imprisoned souls from Hell plays into the warrior aspect of the Anglo-Saxon culture. Due to associating with different forms of tribal warfare and rejoicing those deemed warriors, the Anglo-Saxons were more willing to become followers because of Christ’s heroic nature.