Word-Weaver

Laura Maxwell (English 111, 1994)

Word-weaver is a metaphor in Anglo-Saxon poetry for the teller of tales. Cynewulf, the Christian poet, describes himself as a word-weaver in Judith and in Beowulf and other fragments of Anglo-Saxon poetry, the scop, or bard, is mentioned.

The phrase aptly describes the interlacing of theme- and subject-specific pieces of oral text* [link: Barthes], word-groups delimited by the consistent meter of the poems.

While the literal act of weaving is not described any where in the body of Anglo-Saxon poetry, the figurative use of the word appears also in describing the role of women -- or peace-weavers -- in Anglo-Saxon tribal society.