Значение слова CYNEWULF в Литературной энциклопедии

fl._ 750).-Anglo-Saxon poet. He was probably a Northumbrian, though sometimes thought to have been a Mercian. His poems, and some others, more or less doubtfully attributed to him, are contained in the Exeter Book and the Vercelli Book. The poems which are considered to be certainly his are the _Riddles_, from hints and allusions in which is derived nearly all that is known of him, or at least of the earlier part of his life, which appears to have been that of a joyous and poetical nature, rejoicing in the beauty of the world. His next poem, _Juliana_, the legend of a virgin-martyr, indicates a transition in his spiritual life; sorrow and repentance are its predominant notes, and in these respects another poem, _St. Guthlac_, resembles it. In the _Crist_ (Christ), C. has passed through the clouds to an assured faith and peace. _The Phoenix_, and the second part of _Guthlac_, though not certainly his, are generally attributed to him. _The Fates of the Apostles_ and _Elene_ (the legend of St. Helena) are his; the _Andreas_ and _The Dream of the Roode_ are still in some respects the subject of controversy. In several of the poems the separate letters of C.'s name are introduced in a peculiar manner, and are regarded as an attesting signature. _Juliana_, _Crist_, _The Apostles_, and _Elene_ are thus said to be signed. The Exeter and Vercelli Books are collections of ancient English poems, and they are named from the places where they were found.