ANGLO-SAXON HOMILY

The article focuses on the Old Testament book of Esther and various aspects of its cultural adaptation in the homiletic writings of abbot Ælfric of Eynshem. Considering Ælfric’s homily on «Esther» the author examines early English Сhurch’s ideas of exemplary queenship, and concludes that in his retelling of the biblical plot Ælfric attempted to find a solution to crucial political issues of his time. he called his compatriots for prayer and Christian faith – the virtues he regarded as major weapons for defending England against heathens

The article is devoted to the Old Testament story of Judith, various aspects of its cultural adaptation and meaning in the literary tradition of early Medieval Europe. Considering the analysis of Anglo-Saxon literary sources, the author examines medieval church writers and homilists’ ideas of woman’s sanctity and heroism, explores the collaboration of Christian and Germanic cultural layers within Old English epic tradition.