Ormulum

The Ormulum: A Twelfth-Century Gem in Middle English Literature

Imagine a time when the English language was still finding its voice, and one man’s work would leave an indelible mark on linguistic history. The Ormulum, written by an Augustinian canon named Orrm around 1150-1180, is such a gem. This twelfth-century work of biblical exegesis in Middle English verse has captivated scholars and linguists for centuries.

The Man Behind the Manuscript

Who was this mysterious figure named Orrm? He was an Augustinian canon who lived during a time when England was undergoing significant linguistic changes. His work, The Ormulum, is not just a piece of literature but a window into the language and culture of his era.

A Unique Spelling System

Orrm developed an idiosyncratic spelling system that reflects his deep concern for making the Gospel accessible to the laity. He used a strict poetic metre, included Old Norse phrases, and even modeled the title after the Latin word speculum, meaning ‘mirror.’ This unique approach not only preserved details of English pronunciation but also demonstrated the assimilation of Old Norse features into early Middle English.

The Manuscript’s Journey

The manuscript itself is a fascinating journey through time. It was written at the behest of Brother Walter, Orrm’s brother, and shows signs of multiple corrections over its lifetime. Scholars believe it was finished around 1180 but may have begun as early as 1150. The work is an autograph, with two of the three hands in the text believed to be Orrm’s own.

Local References and Dialect

The name Orrm derives from Old Norse, meaning worm, serpent or dragon, which adds a layer of intrigue to his identity. The work includes numerous local references that demonstrate its East Midlands dialect. This linguistic contrast with other works like the Peterborough Chronicle shows the sluggishness of Norman influence in formerly Danish areas and the assimilation of Old Norse features into early Middle English.

The Place of Origin

While the exact place of origin is debated, evidence suggests that Bourne Abbey in Lincolnshire was likely the birthplace of this manuscript. The dedication, the Arrouaisian rule, and local references within the text all point to this location. The Ormulum is a manuscript of metrical verse that explains Christian teaching on each of the texts used in the mass throughout the church calendar.

Accessibility for Clergy and Parishioners

The Ormulum was intended for a specific purpose: to provide an accessible English text for clergy and parishioners who may not have understood Latin. Each homily begins with a paraphrase of a Gospel reading followed by exegesis, making it easier for the laity to understand the teachings.

The Manuscript’s Style

Despite being deemed ‘of little literary or theological value’ today, the homilies were intended for easy recitation or chanting. The manuscript’s style is characterized by its use of poor-quality parchment, untidy text, and repetitive structure. Orrm adopted a Latin iambic septenarius and wrote continuously without stanzas or rhymes, prioritizing orthography with doubled consonants and accent marks for syllable length.

Significance in Linguistic History

The Ormulum is significant as a precursor to future English poets’ use of classical meters. It serves as an example of Old English verse homily and demonstrates what would become Received Standard English two centuries before Chaucer. Orrm’s work reflects his concern with making the Gospel accessible to the laity, ensuring that even those who couldn’t read Latin could understand the teachings.

The Ormulum is a testament to the linguistic and cultural changes of its time. It bridges the gap between Old English and Middle English, offering insights into the development of the language and the religious practices of twelfth-century England. As we continue to study this work, we uncover not just history but also the human desire for communication and understanding.