Heliand

Heliand, meaning “Savior” in Old Saxon, is a 9th-century epic poem that retells the life of Jesus in the Germanic language and within a Germanic cultural context. Composed in alliterative verse, it represents one of the earliest and most significant works of Christian literature in a Germanic vernacular. This edition offers readers access to the original text, allowing them to engage with the poem's unique blend of biblical narrative and Germanic heroic tradition.

The poem provides invaluable insights into the religious and cultural landscape of early medieval Europe, showcasing the adaptation of Christian themes to a Germanic worldview. Its enduring literary and historical significance makes "Heliand" a crucial text for students and scholars of Old Saxon, medieval literature, and the history of Christianity.

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