Forgotten Ground Regained
Water into Wine
Editor's Note
This poem was composed in-character by Kristinge, Son of Finn, the main character in Matthew Dickerson’s 2014 novel, The Rood and the Torc: the Song of Kristinge, Son of Finn. He is a monk who was originally trained as a bard but discovers that he is actually the son of a king. This poem represents Kristinge’s attempt to tell the New Testament story of Jesus turning water into wine in traditional alliterative verse, and in so doing, represents Jesus as a Germanic chieftain.
This is, in fact, what early Germanic translators of the Bible did – see, for example, the Heliand, or Old English renderings of gospel stories into alliterative verse.
Of the Shaper of Life a lay I now sing,a tale that is true I will tell in this hall,with fair words speak of a wedding feast when powerful magic made potent mead-wineand great high glory of the God-son was seen.
The Maker of Mankind, Middle-Earth’s Chieftain,Father-Spirit of life once lived as a man.He moved among mortals, a holy Messenger,to lead men to life, the Son of the Lord.He wanted to grant, to give to earth’s racethe high Heaven-kingdom as an eternal home.
As a mighty chieftain He chose twelve thanes,hearth-companions to hear His commands.The Protector of People, the powerful God,wandered far by foot with His followers.Hill-forts He visited, clans and their villages,chieftains in mead-halls, merchants and peasants.Wise men were eager to hear His words.
To a wedding He went, the wondrous God’s Son,His followers too, twelve honored friends.And His Middle-earth mother with the mighty One traveled.a bride to be given, a beautiful maiden,at a great high house, a rich guest hall.Earls came from far, nobles to the feast. Warriors were merry, the people with meaddrank and celebrated the day of the wedding.Proud servants poured wine from their pitchers;they had good mead to make the guests happy.On the benches was bliss. The sight was beautiful.
Then the wine ran out; the wedding drink finished;not a single drop for servants to bringto the thirsty crowd could then be found.The vats were empty: the vast stores consumed.For the guests it was sad the celebration would end.
More greatly would grieve the groom and his bride.The great host of the feast had failed in his duty.On him shame would fall if no wine could be found.
Then the loveliest lady did not wait long,the Middle-earth mother of Mankind’s Lordwent speedily and spoke with words to her Son,told Him what happened how the host had no wine.From her Holy Heaven-Son she asked for help.She prayed for the people. She knew of His power.But the Ruler’s Son his answer had ready.To His mother He spoke, “What is it to me?”
On earth was still secret that He was God’s Son.“Why do you speak so in front of strangers?What is warriors’ wine and the wedding drink?”He spoke of his kingdom. “My time is not come.”But His wise Earth-Mother trusted well in her mindeven after these words that He would not refuse.She spoke with servants, warned them to silence,commanded they listen and obey the holy Lord.
Six vats of stone were standing there empty.Very softly He spoke, the mighty God’s son“Fill these with water drawn from the well.”The servants obeyed, those with the barrelsfilled them with water, spoke not of His words.God’s mighty Child then choose that momentto show His great power among those people.What was once water He made into wine.
The drink was then poured, drawn with the pitcherand placed in the hands of the head of the wedding,who after the host ruled over the people.As soon as he drank his delight was great.He could not refrain but spoke to the crowd.He said that most earls the best wine serve early.“When men are merry, and drunk from the mead,they serve cheap wine. That is the custom.”
“But Lo! This host the best held for last.To this folk he served first the cheap wine.When guests were full, were drunk from the feast,then brought, of all wines the best I have tasted.”Now again was bliss for groom and for bride.The host had heard high words of praise.And many a thane was then made awarethat the holy God’s Son a great sign had performed.
Copyright © Matthew Dickerson, 2025
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