Caedmon's Hymn
From University of Virginia
 

Cædmon's Hymn Nu we sculon herigean       heofonrices Weard, Meotodes meahte         ond his modgeþanc, weorc Wuldorfæder,       swa he wundra gehwæs, ece Drihten,       or onstealde. He ærest sceop       eorðan bearnum heofon to hrofe,       halig Scyppend. Þa middangeard       monncynnes Weard, ece Drihten,       æfter teode firum foldan,       Frea ælmihtig.

Cædmon's Hymn Now we must praise    the kingdom of heaven's guardian The might of the Creator    and his purpose, The work of the Father of Glory    as he of each miracle, Eternal Lord,    established the beginning. He first created    for the sons of the earth Heaven as a roof,    holy Creator. The the middle earth,    mankind's guardian, Eternal Lord,    afterwards adorned The earth with people,    the Lord Almighty.

 

Dr. K-D's Study Questions about Anglo-Saxon Poetry

1. Circle a hemi stiche.
2. In one line, mark the two stresses in each hemi stiche using apostrophes (')
3. Mark one line of alliteration by underlining the words that alliterate.
4. Explain what alliteration is.
5. Does anything rhyme in this poetry? Why or why not?
6. What is variation? How does the poet use it in this poem? How many variations of the varied element can you find?