Cynewulf's epilogue to Elene and the tastes of the Vercelli compiler: A paradigm of meditative reading

Ó Carragáin, Éamonn

Cynewulf's epilogue to Elene and the tastes of the Vercelli compiler: A paradigm of meditative reading

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O_Carragain_Cynewulf_2001.pdf(689.01 KB)

Published version

Date

2001

Authors

Ó Carragáin, Éamonn

Publisher

Rodopi

Abstract

In his epilogue to Elene, Cynewulf provides a paradigm of meditative reading. In it, (i) fear of the Lord leads to (ii) rumination on the texts available and (iii) digression into prayer. In his description of the Last Judgement, Cynewulf uses images of the four elements to move from the microcosm of his own experience to the macrocosm of universal Judgement. Rumination on the legend of the cross is an urgent preparation for the Last Day when, in turn, the mind of God will sift all human actions. In the Vercelli homilies, advice on meditative reading is consistent with Cynewulf’s paradigm: the compiler presumably followed such a paradigm when reading his collection.

Keywords

Vercelli Book , Cynewulf , Anglo-Saxon studies , Devotional poetry , Monasticism

Citation

Ó Carragáin, É (2001) 'Cynewulf's Epilogue to Elene and the Tastes of the Vercelli Compiler: A Paradigm of Meditative Reading', in Kay, C. J. and Sylvester, L. M. (eds.), Lexis and Texts in Early English: Studies Presented to Jane Roberts, Costerus New Series 133, pp. 187-201.