THE WANDERER Poem from about the 5 th Century AD

Poetry is a powerful medium for expressing strong feelings. By expressing our own thoughts and feelings in words we explore who we are as humans and what it means to be alive. Of the three main genres in literature, poetry is probably the oldest. Poetry frequently expresses universal truths and therefore can always seem relevant. This poem tells the story of a warrior separated from his people after battle. He grieves for what has been lost. On the next slide, you will see an extract from the old English version of this poem and the modern English translation.

Old EnglishModern translation Hwær cwom mearg? Hwær cwom mago? Hwær cwom maþþumgyfa? Hwær cwom symbla gesetu? Hwær sindon seledreamas? Eala beorht bune! Eala byrnwiga! Eala þeodnes þrym! Hu seo þrag gewat, genap under nihthelm, swa heo no wære. Where is the horse gone? Where the rider? Where is the giver of treasure? Where are the seats at the feast? Where are the revels in the hall? Alas for the bright cup! Alas for the mailed warrior! Alas for the splendour of the prince! How that time has passed away, dark under the cover of night, as if it had never been!