On the Meaning of Strelum in the Runic Crucifixion Poem on the Ruthwell Cross

Majewski, Kerstin (2022): On the Meaning of Strelum in the Runic Crucifixion Poem on the Ruthwell Cross. In: British and American Studies, Vol. 28: pp. 277-286

Abstract

The 14 verses of the Crucifixion Poem, inscribed with Old English runes (fu thorn orc) on the eighth-century Ruthwell Cross, to some extent match with verses of the poem The Dream of the Rood in the Vercelli Book (second half of the tenth century). This paper discusses the relationship of the two texts with the example of the phrase mi thorn strelum giwundad ('wounded with arrows') and reconsiders the meaning of Old English str?l ('arrow'). Three of the runic poem's formulae indicate that 'arrows' are the weapons with which the Cross, not Christ, is wounded at the crucifixion.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Languages and Literatures > Department 3
• Subjects: 400 Language > 400 Language
• ISSN: 1224-3086
• Language: English