Elene

work by Cynewulf

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June 26, 2026

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The poem Elene is a significant work by the Old English poet Cynewulf. Written in the 9th century, it is preserved in the Vercelli Book. The poem, which is 1,321 lines long, recounts the mission of St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, to find the True Cross. While not possessing immense originality, Elene is noted for its skillful craftsmanship, incorporating imagery from daily Old English life and the Germanic epic tradition to enliven its narrative. Cynewulf's other known works include The Fates of the Apostles, The Ascension, and Juliana.12

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Cynewulf
Elene and The Fates of the Apostles are in the Vercelli Book, and The Ascension (which forms the second part of a trilogy, Christ, and is also called Christ II) and Juliana are in the Exeter Book. An epilogue to each poem, asking for prayers…
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Elene and The Fates of the Apostles are in the Vercelli Book, and The Ascension (which forms the second part of a trilogy, Christ, and is also called Christ II) and Juliana are in the Exeter Book. An epilogue to each poem, asking for prayers…
Read More

English literature
Religious verse
…(late 3rd century ce); and Elene, perhaps the best of his poems, which describes the mission of St. Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, to recover Christ’s cross. Cynewulf’s work is lucid and technically elegant; his theme is the continuing evangelical mission from the time of Christ to the triumph…
Read More
…(late 3rd century ce); and Elene, perhaps the best of his poems, which describes the mission of St. Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, to recover Christ’s cross. Cynewulf’s work is lucid and technically elegant; his theme is the continuing evangelical mission from the time of Christ to the triumph…
Read More