Ælfric on the creation and fall of the angels
Michael Fox
Ælfric, in the Preface to Genesis , comments about what we do not find first book of Old Testament: ‘Seo boc ys gehaten Genesis, Þæt “Gecyndboc”, for Þam Þe heo firmest boca and spricÞ be ælcum gecinde (ac ne spricð na Þæra engla gesceapenisse).’ Although he proceeds explain is contained opening verse, noting that creation ‘on annginne’ refers at once literal act and, ‘æfter gastlicum andgite’, Christ through whom all was formed, makes no further comment here upon angels. In other works, however, where topic could more appropriately introduced, Ælfric enthusiastically engages with problem angelic history. The sermon De initio creaturae Interrogationes Sigewulfi Exameron Letter Sigeweard Wulfgeat contain accounts fall. Because a writer actively concerned orthodoxy sound doctrine, would well ask why has such an interest angels–about authority as Bede say almost nothing–and investigate precisely how, from sources, presents their extra-scriptural
Anglo-Saxon England