The Dream of the Rood

The Dream of the Rood

Author: CatholicCulture.org April 1, 2026 Duration: 13:24

"Come—I sing of a splendid dream,
a mighty marvel, that came at midnight
when the tongues of men are silent.
A strange tree—most wondrous strange!—
stretched forth branches in a blast of light."

The Dream of the Rood is an ancient Anglo-Saxon poem, composed as early as the 8th century. It takes the form of a dream-vision in which the narrator sees the Cross on which Christ was crucified, and most of the poem consists of a speech given by the personified Cross, telling the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, with the Wood sharing in the glory of the Word.

The virile style and the warrior ethos of Anglo-Saxon verse took on a Christian form in this poem, with Christ being depicted as a heroic warrior and the Cross as his loyal retainer, with self-sacrifice rather than a contest of arms gaining the victory.

James Majewski gives a dramatic reading of The Dream of the Rood, as recently translated by Tessa Carman and J.C. Scharl.

Links

The Dream of the Rood: A New Translation full text: https://thelampmagazine.com/blog/the-dream-of-the-rood-a-new-translation

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Theme music: "2 Part Invention", composed by Mark Christopher Brandt, performed by Thomas Mirus. ©️2019 Heart of the Lion Publishing Co./BMI. All rights reserved.


Imagine having a great library of foundational Catholic texts, not just on your shelf but given a clear and engaging voice. That’s the experience offered by Catholic Culture Audiobooks. Voice actor James T. Majewski lends his talent to a rich collection of over one hundred recordings, transforming written classics into immersive listening. The selections have a particular emphasis on the profound works of St. John Henry Newman and the early Fathers of the Church, connecting modern ears to timeless wisdom. Within this podcast, you’ll encounter a varied tapestry of material-from papal encyclicals and personal letters to poetry, sermons, and complete book-length works. This includes significant titles like St. Augustine’s "De Doctrina Christiana" and St. Athanasius’s "Life of St. Anthony," all presented with thoughtful narration. It’s a resource for deepening understanding, enriching personal spirituality, or simply enjoying some of history’s most important Christian writings in a fresh, accessible format. Each episode is a direct production of CatholicCulture.org, created to make these essential works part of your daily routine, whether during a commute, a walk, or quiet reflection. The entire catalog serves as an auditory companion for education and spiritual growth, bringing the depth of Catholic tradition to life through the spoken word.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 15

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