Ælfric of Eynsham

NAME: Ælfric of Eynsham (Old English: Ælfrīc; Latin: Alfricus, Elphricus)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: He was an English abbot and a prolific writer in Old English of hagiography, homilies, biblical commentaries, and other genres. He is also known as Ælfric the Grammarian, Ælfric of Cerne, and Ælfric the Homilist.

BIRTH: He was born around 955.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: His family background is unknown.

CHILDHOOD: His childhood is also unknown, but he may have been educated at the Old Minster at Winchester.

EDUCATION: Ælfric studied at the prestigious Benedictine monastery in Winchester under Æthelwold, a key figure in the English Benedictine Reform. He learned Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and studied the works of the Church Fathers and other classical authors.

CAREER RECORD: Ælfric was a monk and priest at Winchester until 987, when he was sent to teach at the newly founded abbey of Cerne Abbas in Dorset. There he wrote his two series of English homilies, which were dedicated to Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury. He also wrote his Lives of Saints, his Grammar, his Glossary, and his Colloquy. 

In 1005, Ælfric became the first abbot of Eynsham, a monastery refounded by Æthelmær the Stout, a powerful nobleman and patron of learning. He continued to write at Eynsham, producing his Hexateuch (a translation of the first six books of the Bible), his Heptateuch (a translation of the first seven books), his Book of Judges, and his Catholic Homilies (a third series of homilies).

Barred Þ & Tironian et highlighted in Ælfric's Grammaticu

APPEARANCE: No portraits exist, but contemporary descriptions suggest a typical monk of the time: tonsured head, simple robes.

FASHION: His fashion is not recorded, but he probably wore the Benedictine habit.

CHARACTER: Ælfric of Eynsham was a man of learning and piety, who aimed to instruct and edify his audience with clear and orthodox teaching. He was also a skilled translator and stylist, who adapted his sources to suit his purposes and audience. He was sometimes critical of the secular clergy and the laity for their ignorance and sinfulness, but he also showed compassion and humility.

SENSE OF HUMOUR:  His writings sometimes include wit and anecdotes, suggesting a dry and subtle humor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Ælfric had a close relationship with his teacher Æthelwold, who influenced his views and writings. He also had a good relationship with his patrons Æthelmær and his father Æthelweard, who supported his literary activities. He may have had some friends among his fellow monks and scholars, such as Wulfstan of York and Byrhtferth of Ramsey.

MONEY AND FAME: Ælfric of Eynsham did not seek money or fame for himself, but he was well-known and respected for his writings. His works were widely copied and circulated in England and abroad. Some of his works were still read and used in the Middle Ages and beyond.

FOOD AND DRINK: His food and drink are not recorded, but he probably followed the Benedictine rule of moderation and fasting. Monastic fare would have been simple and seasonal.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Ælfric likely enjoyed monastic chants and other religious music and may have participated in illuminated manuscript creation. He may have also composed some hymns or poems in Latin or Old English.

LITERATURE: Ælfric of Eynsham was well-versed in literature, both sacred and secular. He read and translated works from Latin, Greek, and Hebrew into Old English. Ælfric also wrote original works in Old English, such as homilies, saints' lives, biblical commentaries, grammatical treatises, dialogues, letters, prefaces, prayers, etc. He used various literary devices, such as allegory, metaphor, simile, antithesis, rhetorical questions, etc., to enhance his style and message.

NATURE: Ælfric may have enjoyed nature as part of God's creation. He used some natural imagery in his writings to illustrate spiritual truths.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His hobbies and sports are not recorded, but he may have enjoyed reading, writing, teaching, praying, meditating, etc., as part of his monastic life.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Ælfric had some knowledge of science and maths as part of his education. He wrote a Grammar that explained the parts of speech and syntax. He wrote a Glossary that explained difficult words in Latin. He wrote a Colloquy that taught conversational Latin on various topics, including astronomy, arithmetic, geometry, medicine, etc.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Ælfric was interested in philosophy and theology as part of his religious studies. He read and translated works by philosophers and theologians, such as Augustine, Jerome, Gregory, Boethius, etc. He wrote homilies and commentaries that explained the Christian doctrine and morality. Ælfric also wrote some works that dealt with controversial issues, such as the Eucharist, free will, predestination, etc.

Driven by the belief that "good teaching is especially needed at this end of times," Ælfric diligently instructed novices and preached the gospel to his local parish. His dedication went beyond simple instruction, as he saw himself as a beacon of enlightenment in a world believed to be nearing its close.

SCANDAL: Ælfric was not involved in any scandal, but he sometimes criticized the corruption and laxity of some clergy and lay people.

MILITARY RECORD: Ælfric did not have any military record, but he lived in a time of political turmoil and Viking invasions. 

In the year 998, a brutal Viking raid tore through the tranquil Dorset countryside, reaching the doorstep of the rural Cernel monastery (now Cerne Abbas). In the face of this national, and for him, deeply personal, crisis, Ælfric penned three collections of homilies (around 120 sermons), becoming the first to translate passages from the Old Testament, pastoral letters, and other educational materials into English. His efforts extended beyond scripture, as he also authored a grammar, a glossary, and even a colloquy, all in the vernacular.

Ælfric prayed for peace and the protection of the king and the people.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: His health and physical fitness are not recorded, but he may have suffered from some illnesses or injuries. He may have also practiced some physical exercises or disciplines as part of his monastic rule.

HOMES: Ælfric lived in various monasteries, such as Winchester, Cerne Abbas, and Eynsham. He may have also visited or stayed in other places, such as Canterbury, London, Ramsey, etc.

TRAVEL: Ælfric travelled to some places in England, such as Winchester, Cerne Abbas, Eynsham, Canterbury, London, Ramsey, etc. He may have also travelled to some places abroad, such as Rome, France, Germany, etc.

DEATH: He died around 1010, likely at Eynsham Abbey..

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Ælfric has appeared in some media, such as books, articles, documentaries, websites, etc., that deal with Anglo-Saxon history, culture, literature, religion, etc.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Ælfric achieved a lot in his life. 

He was a monk, priest, abbot, teacher, writer, translator, commentator, etc. 

He produced a large and varied corpus of writings in Old English that influenced later generations of readers and writers. 

Ælfric contributed to the Benedictine Reform and the vernacular culture of Anglo-Saxon England. 

He was one of the greatest scholars and authors of his time and of the Middle Ages.

Note: Much of Ælfric's life remains shrouded in mystery, and this biography is based on historical records and educated guesses.

Source Christianity Today