St. Erkenwald (poem)

St. Erkenwald is an alliterative poem written in Middle English, likely dating from the late 14th or early 15th century. It consists of 352 lines and tells the story of St. Erkenwald, Bishop of London (c. 675-693). The poem focuses on a miracle attributed to the saint: the baptism of a long-dead pagan judge whose perfectly preserved body is discovered during the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral.

The narrative unfolds as follows: during the renovation of St. Paul's, workers uncover a magnificent tomb containing a corpse dressed in rich robes. The body appears remarkably lifelike, seemingly only asleep. No one can identify the man, and scholars are baffled by his continued preservation despite his evident antiquity. The discovery causes a sensation in London.

St. Erkenwald, known for his wisdom and piety, is called upon to investigate. Through prayer and divine intervention, he learns that the man was a just and righteous pagan judge from the time of the legendary King Belinus. The judge, though virtuous according to the law he knew, was deprived of salvation because he lived before the coming of Christ. He yearned for the Christian faith but was born too early.

Touched by the judge's plight, St. Erkenwald weeps. A tear falls upon the judge's face, and miraculously, the judge speaks, confirming the bishop's vision. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to be baptized. St. Erkenwald baptizes him, and upon receiving the sacrament, the judge's body crumbles to dust, signifying his release from Limbo and entrance into heaven.

The poem is notable for its skillful use of alliteration, its exploration of themes of justice, salvation, and the relationship between pagan virtue and Christian grace, and its vivid depiction of medieval London and its religious beliefs. It provides insights into the period's understanding of history, the afterlife, and the power of Christian sacraments. Furthermore, it suggests a complex perspective on pre-Christian figures, acknowledging their possible moral worth while emphasizing the necessity of baptism for salvation. The author of St. Erkenwald remains unknown, although the poem is often associated with the same region of England as the Gawain Poet.