Religious Relics
In “Dream of the Rood,” the narrator is in search of the original cross that was used to crucify Jesus Christ. The narrator believes that the wooden cross has likely been re-claimed by the earth. It may, perhaps, have mold growing on it, or be completely covered in vines. The narrator is not discouraged by this fact, however, for the symbolic and religious significance of the cross is far greater than its physical status. In this way, the narrator makes a point that our most prized religious relics can still maintain their religious importance and significance, even if they are physically deteriorated and fading from the earth. These relics can still hold powerful significance for those who value its symbolism and religious implications.
Dreams
Dreams feature prominently in the Vercelli Book’s texts. In “Dream of the Rood,” for example, the narrator dreams of what he will find if/when he finally encounters the lost crucifix. This poem also captures the importance of our dreams, especially as they pertain to our religious and spiritual inclinations. Dreams also play an integral role in “Elene,” during which dreams are depicted as being the primary mode through which God can communicate with us mortals here on Earth. In this way, dreams serve a symbolic role throughout this book—a role through which divine entities, God, can communicate with mere mortals.
Power of Christ
All of the poems and short stories in this book either hint at or explicitly state the divine and almighty power of Christ. “Body and Soul”—a tale of our dying day, during which our souls depart from our physical forms—analyzes how Christ is instrumental in this departure. When we die, our souls abandon our physical body, leaving the husks of our forms behind on Earth. Our souls then transcend the levels of divinity and join God and Christ in heaven. This journey—from Earth to Heaven—is guided by Christ’s almighty hand. Similarly, in “Dream of the Rood,” the unnamed narrator searches for the famed cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The narrator feels that, while the cross may be rotting and reclaimed by the Earth, it must still maintain some of the incredible power that was imbued in it when Christ was crucified upon it. At the soul of this poem is the belief that Christ’s power and divinity is so great and powerful that it will transcend the test of time and remain ever-present on Earth and in our lives.
