Christ as Soldier and Servant in The Dream of the Rood

The Dream of the Rood impresses the modern reader, and, doubtless, also impressed its original audience, as a memorable and powerful poem. One of its most striking features is the portrayal of Christ, who emerges as an active participant rather than a passive sufferer in his Crucifixion, a champion rather than a victim. Such a presentation has been shown to be the product of classical, Christian, and Germanic traditions. Thus, Christ can be seen as the athlete in his άγώωΐ the champion who fights single-handed against the Devil, 2 and the chieftain supported by his loyal retainer, the Cross.