Frithegod

Frithegod (also spelled Frithogod) was an 11th-century Benedictine monk and hagiographer, originally from the continent, who became known for his Latin prose and verse, particularly his Vita Sancti Wilfrithi (Life of Saint Wilfrid).

Frithegod's origins are debated, but he is generally believed to have been of Germanic or possibly Lotharingian origin. He was a monk at the monastery of Saint-Bertin in Saint-Omer before being invited to England by Archbishop Ælfric of Canterbury.

His Vita Sancti Wilfrithi, written in highly elaborate and difficult hexameters around 1050, is his most notable work. It recounts the life of Saint Wilfrid, a 7th-century bishop of York. The poem is characterized by its complex vocabulary, dense allusions to classical literature, and intricate grammatical structures. While historically valuable, it is notoriously challenging to read and interpret. Scholars have noted its linguistic and stylistic complexity, which distinguishes it from other hagiographical works of the period.

Little else is known definitively about Frithegod's life. His association with Archbishop Ælfric and the monastery of Saint-Bertin provides some context for his intellectual and literary formation. The Vita Sancti Wilfrithi remains the primary source of information and influence attributed to him.