Thank you for this webpage. I read the Wanderer a few years ago. I felt I was able to empathize with the speaker's sorrow, which doesn't happen to me often in reading ancient or medieval literature. His world and his relationships are gone because those to whom he had sworn fealty are dead. "Where is the horse and his rider?" refers I think to the speaker himself. He no longer has a way or a reason to ride forth to battle. I also noticed that Tolkien had borrowed that line from the poem. Tolkien puts this line into the mouth of Theoden, the king of Rohan, when he is trapped in a fortress by his enemies and is waiting, seemly in vain, for reinforcements.
I guess what touches us most deeply -- joys and sorrows -- often verges on the incommunicable, so we are silent. You'd have to be me to experience my sorrow or my joy. Words are inadequate. I think part of the philosophical definition of personhood (Boethius?) is that it is uncommunicable.
My brother once said that he wished he could read other people's minds so he could really know who they are. I thought, "NO, that's a terrible idea. I would never want to be able to do that." What a violation of the mystery of the other person that would entail, much less of myself by others.
As for joys, I remember several years ago getting ready for work and dreading the challenges and confrontations of the day. Then, for some reason, the music from Holst's symphonic poem, "The Planets," came to mind, specifically the "Jupiter" piece. I thought what a privilege it is to live in a universe where such beauty is even thinkable. It completely changed my outlook for a time.
As for sorrows, some are inevitable and are to be united with Jesus' own sorrows and sufferings; some call for healing as well. I'm not particularly good at dealing with them. But I know that many, like bereavement, cannot be healed according to a schedule.
In the meantime, however, I do offer others my affability. A wise priest once told me that others have a right to it. Even if I don't feel like being affable.
I have a friend who is trapped in a pattern of self-defeating behavior. He talks to me about it; I listen. I offer him reflections on my own experiences. I offer him resources from time to time, Catholic therapists. I pray with him. He goes to confession over and over again, but he doesn't respond to my suggestions. The behavior doesn't change. I've had to realize he's not going to be healed on my schedule or anyone else's. It's wrong for me to even expect it.
It always amazes me when we can connect with the sentiments of an ancient writer. It is a sort of tile travel almost. And great connection with Theoden, you are right!
Appreciate it, yes it’s a great read. The PDF I attached has it in full, but The Earliest English Poems has a bunch of other great ones from that time, and helpful introductions from Michael J Alexander.
A great reflection on a great poem. Among the many silly things proposed by modern scholars, who have a knack for proposing silly things, is the idea that "The Wanderer" is originally a secular poem with the final exhortation to trust in God being added later. I like that you emphasized the fact that it draws much of its wisdom from the Biblical wisdom tradition while presenting it in an Anglo-Saxon context.
Great analysis…This is my husband’s favorite poem. I love the way Tolkien uses it in Lord of the Rings.
Thank you
Thank you for this webpage. I read the Wanderer a few years ago. I felt I was able to empathize with the speaker's sorrow, which doesn't happen to me often in reading ancient or medieval literature. His world and his relationships are gone because those to whom he had sworn fealty are dead. "Where is the horse and his rider?" refers I think to the speaker himself. He no longer has a way or a reason to ride forth to battle. I also noticed that Tolkien had borrowed that line from the poem. Tolkien puts this line into the mouth of Theoden, the king of Rohan, when he is trapped in a fortress by his enemies and is waiting, seemly in vain, for reinforcements.
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I guess what touches us most deeply -- joys and sorrows -- often verges on the incommunicable, so we are silent. You'd have to be me to experience my sorrow or my joy. Words are inadequate. I think part of the philosophical definition of personhood (Boethius?) is that it is uncommunicable.
My brother once said that he wished he could read other people's minds so he could really know who they are. I thought, "NO, that's a terrible idea. I would never want to be able to do that." What a violation of the mystery of the other person that would entail, much less of myself by others.
As for joys, I remember several years ago getting ready for work and dreading the challenges and confrontations of the day. Then, for some reason, the music from Holst's symphonic poem, "The Planets," came to mind, specifically the "Jupiter" piece. I thought what a privilege it is to live in a universe where such beauty is even thinkable. It completely changed my outlook for a time.
As for sorrows, some are inevitable and are to be united with Jesus' own sorrows and sufferings; some call for healing as well. I'm not particularly good at dealing with them. But I know that many, like bereavement, cannot be healed according to a schedule.
In the meantime, however, I do offer others my affability. A wise priest once told me that others have a right to it. Even if I don't feel like being affable.
I have a friend who is trapped in a pattern of self-defeating behavior. He talks to me about it; I listen. I offer him reflections on my own experiences. I offer him resources from time to time, Catholic therapists. I pray with him. He goes to confession over and over again, but he doesn't respond to my suggestions. The behavior doesn't change. I've had to realize he's not going to be healed on my schedule or anyone else's. It's wrong for me to even expect it.
It always amazes me when we can connect with the sentiments of an ancient writer. It is a sort of tile travel almost. And great connection with Theoden, you are right!
This is beautiful, thank you. Will get a copy of the poem.
Appreciate it, yes it’s a great read. The PDF I attached has it in full, but The Earliest English Poems has a bunch of other great ones from that time, and helpful introductions from Michael J Alexander.
Please post more like this. I think you’ll enjoy Paul Kingsnorth’s Abbey of Misrule on Substack. He has written books set in Anglo-Saxon England.
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you for encouraging more posts like this Esme Yu! here is part 2: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Appreciate the feedback, thank you. I have read a few of his posts, but will look for his stuff set in Anglo Saxon England, thanks.
A great reflection on a great poem. Among the many silly things proposed by modern scholars, who have a knack for proposing silly things, is the idea that "The Wanderer" is originally a secular poem with the final exhortation to trust in God being added later. I like that you emphasized the fact that it draws much of its wisdom from the Biblical wisdom tradition while presenting it in an Anglo-Saxon context.
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Hey Joe, glad that you enjoyed this meditation on The Wanderer. here is the next one on the Seafarer: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
May get to the Dream of the Rood at some point...
Thank you sir. Yes I saw that idea in my research. They suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
This was brilliant.
I'm definitely among those who always do enjoy hearing about or reading obscure esoteric literature.
And that line "No man grows wise without he have his share of winters"
will be staying with me for a long time to come.
Thank you sir. Ya that one has stuck with me since I first read this poem probably 4 years ago.
A very true sentiment, and one that especially stood out to me as a pharmacist with the pill metaphor!
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Hey Brett, part 2 on the exeter book is out now. Thanks for the feedback on this one! https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you sir! Just subscribed to your publication, looks like some cool stuff. God bless you, verbum domini manet in aeternum
I’m honored! Thank you!
I love old poems, writing. Been reading middle English on @peregrinus substack. Have already heard of The Wanderer. Looking forward to this.
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you for the feedback again maryh10000. Here is part 2 on the Seafarer: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Nice! Thank you
Great work my friend. Killer art choice
thank you brotha
Love this like how it makes me slow down and think very refreshing!
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you sir
Meaty post! One must read the Icelandic poem: Sonatorrek (The Irreparable Loss of Sons) if you love The Wanderer.
Thanks again for this feedback Eric, here is part 2 on the Seafarer: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Never heard of it, ill have to check it out! Thanks
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eK9QDM5y7g5Ai9V1/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Oh and I bought the old English book of poems too. Thanks for the recommendation.
If you turned this into a series, I'd definitely read more!
Short post out today that explores some of the same topics that were explored in this one: https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/great-joys-like-griefs-are-silent?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thanks again for this comment man, here is part 2 on The Seafarer! https://open.substack.com/pub/codyilardo/p/the-seafarer?r=1q8ur0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Awesome, thanks for the feedback man!