SOURCE: "Heroic Diction in The Dream of the Rood," in Studies in Honor of John Wilcox, edited by A. Dayle Wallace and Woodburn O. Ross, 1958. Reprint by Books for Libraries Press, 1972, pp. 3-7.

In the essay below, Diamond analyzes the use of heroic language in The Dream of the Rood.

Many people who have read The Dream of the Rood have been struck by the poet's use of certain heroic phrases in describing the crucifixion. The tree from which the cross was made is said to have been cut down by bold enemies (strange féondas, 30b). The Lord is referred to as a young hero (geong hæleþb, 39a). He is said to be bold and brave (strang and stiþmód, 40a). The cross is said to be wounded with arrows (strælum forwundod, 62b). The Lord is said to rest for a while after...