The Dream of the Rood is a poem written by an unknown author, which dates back

to 8th century inscriptions found on the Ruthwell Cross. The complete versions as we
now know it came about from within the 10th century Vercelli Book. Rood in modern
English means pole or in the case of this poem crucifix. The poem details the
crucifixion of Christ from the viewpoint of the Rood and it is interesting to see the
story through the Rood’s unique viewpoint. Christianity of course heavily influences
the poem and there are also some paganistic elements as well (The Dream of the
Rood, 2011).

The Dream of the Rood is first and foremost a Christian piece. The poem details the
death and resurrection of Christ, the triumph over sin and evil, and stresses the
importance of the Rood or Cross as we know it. The death and resurrection of
Christ is very important in the Christian religion, it is because Christ gave his life for
mankind in the ultimate sacrifice to forgive mankind of their sins. When Christ rose
again on the third day he made his triumph over sin and evil and proved he was the
true Son of God. The Rood shares this triumph with Christ over death. Instead of
fearing death they face it refusing to bend or bow. The Bible says not to fear for the
Lord is with you and the account of the Rood enforces this idea. Another Bible verse
that enforces the idea of triumph over death in this poem is “I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives
and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26, New International Version). These
are just a few examples of why his Poem has Christian influences.

The Dream of the Rood also has Paganistic elements as well. There is a talking tree,
which is similar to how Pagans have talking elements or spirits. There is the idea of
ritualistic sacrifice, and the tree is recognized as an object of worship. In the Bible
Christ says “For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon
the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an
atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11, King James Bible), also animals are
frequently sacrificed in the old testament as offerings to God. Although these are
examples from the Bible they can show how the Christian religion has similarities to
certain Pagan beliefs such as ritualistic sacrifice, such as the sacrifice recounted in
the Dream of the Rood. The tree is also seen as an object of worship in the poem it
is adorned with gold and jewels and its triumph over death is celebrated. These
examples show how the poem shows some Pagan influences but over all it is still
mainly a Christian influenced piece.

The Dream of the Rood. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/171238/The-Dream-of-the-Rood