Response: “The Dream of the Rood”

Known to be one of the earliest poems written in Old English literature, “The Dream of the Rood” has stood the test of time. As we study it today, centuries after it was written by an unknown author, we still find our own interpretations of it.

This poem was written as a dream that came in the night to an unknown author. The dream consists of a rood or “cross” that tells the author its story of the crucifixion of Christ. The poem is mainly composed of three parts. The first part is the narration of the unknown author telling the story of his dream. The second part or middle part of the poem introduces the cross and its story as he tells it to the author. The third consists of the author learning the true purpose of his dream and how he must now go to tell others of his dream.

The poem portrays the “lord of mankind” as a brave leader eager to complete his task of dying on the cross for the sins of others and the rood as the faithful solider willing to stand by his master’s side. In my opinion it was an interesting take personifying the cross and letting the reader know its “feelings” on the crucifixion. Towards the end of the poem the cross begins to speak as if the “lord of mankind” and it are one symbol of hope for all. The rood begins to explain that it was once mocked for carrying criminals and is now a symbol of hope and something bigger since the crucifixion of Christ.