-by Cædmon
Nu sculon herigean
Now we must praise
heofonrices weard
heaven-kingdom’s Guardian,
meotodes meahte
the Measurer’s might
and his modgeþanc
and his mind-plans,
weorc wuldor-fæder
the work of the Glory-Father,
swa he wundra gehwæs
when he of wonders of every one,
ece drihten
eternal Lord,
or onstealde
the beginning established.
He ærest sceop
He first created
ielda bearnum
for men’s sons
heofon to hrofe
heaven as a roof,
halig scyppend
holy Creator;
ða middangeard
then middle-earth
moncynnes Weard
mankind’s Guardian,
ece drihten
eternal Lord,
æfter teode
afterwards made—
firum foldan
for men earth,
frea ælmihtig
Master almighty.
Cædmon’s Hymn is considered the earliest surviving poem written in Old English and serves as a foundational text in English literary history. The poem is a hymn of praise that honors God as the eternal Creator, emphasizing divine power, wisdom, and intentional design in the creation of heaven, earth, and humankind. Through a series of reverential titles and parallel phrases, the speaker calls on listeners to recognize God’s authority and the ordered beauty of the created world (Ferguson et al., 2018, p. 1).
The poem reflects the oral traditions of early Germanic verse, employing strong alliteration, rhythmic half-lines, and formulaic expressions to reinforce its devotional purpose. Although Christian in theme, Cædmon’s Hymn retains the stylistic features of pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon poetry, illustrating how early English poets adapted traditional forms to express new religious ideas. Preserved through later manuscript copies, the hymn represents both a literary and cultural transition from oral performance to written record (Ferguson et al., 2018, p. 1).
Reference: Ferguson, M., Salter, M. J., & Stallworthy, J. (Eds.). (2018). The Norton anthology of poetry (6th ed., p. 1). W. W. Norton & Company.
Cædmon’s Hymn sounds familiar because its steady rhythm and alliteration echo patterns still used in English poetry, making it feel musical and intentional to the ear. At the same time, it sounds foreign due to its Old English pronunciation and unfamiliar phonetics, which create a distance that reminds listeners they are hearing an earlier stage of the language.
Have a listen:
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