The passage, from "Christ III," a poem by Cynewulf (ca. 705-783 CE), shows that the more traditional biblical image of Christ was retained in medieval times. Interestingly, many scholars believe that Cynewulf may also have composed "The Dream of the Rood." If he were indeed the author of both poems, the "Christ III" poem would show that he was able to envision a more classical image of Christ, but chose to depict a warrior image of Christ in "The Dream of the Rood."
The image of Christ as a warrior in "The Dream of the Rood" is a mirrored image of the constructive way in which medieval Christians perceived the crucifixion. In evaluation to the as an alternative pessimistic view of the crucifixion in "Christ III" wherein people are made to feel guilty approximately Christ's demise, the method [29] toward the crucifixion in "The Dream of the Rood" is hopeful and reassuring. The focus of the poem is the victory won by Christ over sin. For this reason, a few present day historians propose that it "was composed with a missionary purpose, the use of the heroic as a manner of catching the creativeness of the warrior, so that he should include willingly Christian doctrine."(35) The poem sincerely has an evangelist attraction in that it emphasizes the notion that humankind can reap salvation via Christ's triumphant struggle over sin.
