Caedmons+Hymn

Who is Caedmon?
 * first know English poet

"There was in the Monastery of this Abbess a certain brother particularly remarkable for the Grace of God, who was wont to make religious verses, so that whatever was interpreted to him out of scripture, he soon after put the same into poetical expressions of much sweetness and humility in English, which was his native language. By his verse the minds of many were often excited to despise the world, and to aspire to heaven."

- St. Bede

What is Caedmons Hymn?
 * nine-line praise poem to honor God

Why is it important?
 * First known example of Old English Poetry

Modern Version: http://www.homestead.com/englishheathenism/textcaedmonmodern.html

Old English Version: http://www.homestead.com/englishheathenism/textcaedmonold.html