The Dream of the Rood

Torn between the Pagan way of thought and the Christian way of the thought the writer of "The Dream of the Rood" wrestles with what the cross Christ was hung on was feeling, experiencing, and battling during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I found it very interesting the cross described himself as "...stained with sins, wounded with wrongdoings..." Christians are, no doubt, sinners and many acts committed are often wrongdoings. The cross then recognizes that Christ was "....adorned with garments, decked with gold..." and yet underneath all of the beauty, Christ was aching and full of pain. Christ indeed was aching and full of pain, feeling let down by all of humanity while fulfilling his Father's plans. The author focuses on the idea that Christ was a heroic figure and not the weak creature he is often depicted as. Rather than being forced onto the cross, the author speaks of Christ leaping on to the cross readily. Rather than asking why, Christ gladly takes on the roll as a sacrifice for all of mankind. The author portrays Christ to be the hero he truly is and gives him the praise he deserves.

The Dream of the Rood definitely fits into the time period. There is a huge emphasis on heroes, as said before it is thought that Jesus is the hero. There is a definite absence of romance and playfulness, it's quite dull and kind of a downer. There is a fusion of Christian and Pagan elements. It is as if they are still trying to figure out how to make Christianity work in their lives. The cross takes on a personality is one prime example. It also addressed the courage that Christ had when he lept up on the cross and took on the role of hero