Heliand

/ˈhɛliænd/ noun

Definition

An Old Saxon epic poem from the 9th century that retells the life and teachings of Jesus in Germanic verse.

Etymology

From Old Saxon, meaning 'savior' or 'healer' (from 'heil' meaning health or salvation), written during the reign of Charlemagne to spread Christian teachings among Germanic peoples.

Kelly Says

This 9th-century poem is basically the superhero origin story of Jesus told in Old Saxon—imagine converting an entire culture by turning religious teachings into an epic poem they could actually understand and remember!

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