Cynewulf - Justification As A Poet

Justification As A Poet

Cynewulf’s justification as a poet stems from the idea that "poetry" was "associated with wisdom." In his Christ II, Cynewulf writes the following:

“ Then he who created this world…honoured us and gave us gifts…and also sowed and set in the mind of men many kinds of wisdom of heart. One he allows to remember wise poems, sends him a noble understanding, through the spirit of his mouth. The man whose mind has been given the art of wisdom can say and sing all kinds of things. ”

By looking at Cynewulf’s autobiographical reflection in the epilogue of Elene, it is evident that he believes his own skill in poetry comes directly from God, who "unlocked the art of poesy" within him.

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