The Dream of the Rood is an Old English, powerhouse text full of emotion that hits at the heart of Christianity in its unique retelling of the Gospel crucifixion story. Told from the perspective of the Rood-most commonly understood as the cross; through the use of personification, the story of the death of Jesus Christ takes on new nuances of meaning. From the personified Rood's depiction of Christ as a Young Hero who bravely faces a sacrificial death, to that of the Rood as a simple tree fashioned for sacrifice of the King of Kings who later becomes glorified as a symbol of victory, we see a text rich in spiritual meaning. It is not difficult as a Christian to be moved by this text, however some could argue whether The Dream of the Rood has universal appeal to those who may not ascribe to the Christian faith. Like most religious texts, the element of faith is a powerful tool needed to fully appreciate the spiritual nuances of meaning being conveyed in the text. As is the case with the reading of any literature, the reader brings a complex mix of belief systems that add layers to the interpretation of the work being read. The Story of the Rood is best read from the Christian perspective, as it reads not only as a notable literary text, but as a heartfelt reminder of a Saviour who's death still has far reaching implications even to this day.
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