For Loss or Theft of Cattle facts for kids
"For Loss or Theft of Cattle" is the name given to three special Old English poems or spells. People in Anglo-Saxon times used these charms to help keep their cattle safe from thieves. They also hoped these charms would bring back any lost animals.
Two of these charms, Charm V and Charm X, are very similar. They mix Old English and Latin words. Charm IX is different and is entirely in Old English. Some parts of Charm IX seem to come from older, non-Christian beliefs, even though the charm also mentions Christian ideas.
Charm V: The Bethlehem Charm
This charm is found in an old book called the Lacnunga manuscript. It was meant to be said when someone told you that your cattle were lost.
The charm starts by mentioning Bethlehem, the town where Christ was born. It says that Bethlehem is famous all over the world. The charm then asks that the "deed" (meaning the finding of the lost cattle) also become famous through the Holy Rood (the cross Christ died on).
Next, the person saying the charm had to turn to the east three times and say: "The Cross of Christ is led forth from the east!" They would then repeat this, turning to the west, south, and north. This was like calling on the power of the cross from all directions.
The charm also talks about how the Cross of Christ was hidden but then found. It compares this to how Judas tried to hide Christ, but couldn't. The charm wishes that the lost cattle also cannot be hidden and will be found through the Holy Rood.
Charm IX: The Garmund Charm
This charm is written completely in Old English. It was found in the margins (the blank spaces) of an old book from Southern England.
This charm is a strong declaration that nothing belonging to the speaker should be stolen or hidden. It compares this to how King Herod could not truly harm or hide Our Lord. The speaker thinks of Saint Helena and Christ on the cross. They intend to find the cattle, not lose them, and to keep them safe and loved.
Then, the charm calls upon someone named Garmund, who is described as "God's thane" (a loyal servant or warrior). It commands Garmund to:
- Find the cattle
- Carry the cattle
- Keep the cattle
- Hold the cattle
- Bring the cattle home
The charm then curses anyone who tries to steal the cattle. It says that such a person will never be able to keep their land, earth, or home. It warns that if someone does steal the cattle, it will never help them. Within three nights, the charm claims to know the thief's power and strength.
Finally, the charm wishes that the thief will "wither away" like dry wood or become as worthless as a thistle. This curse is aimed at anyone who plans to steal or drive away the herd.
Charm X: Another Bethlehem Charm
This charm is also found in the same old book as Charm IX. It is very similar to Charm V.
This charm also starts by saying that it should be spoken when someone's property has been stolen. Like Charm V, it mentions Bethlehem as the famous town where Christ was born. It then asks that the "deed" (the finding of the lost property) become famous "by the cross of Christ!"
The ritual is similar to Charm V. The person saying the charm turns to the east three times and says: "The cross of Christ is led forth from the east!" This is repeated for the west, south, and north directions.
The charm ends by saying that the cross of Christ was hidden but then found again. It reminds us that Judas tried to hide Christ but couldn't. The charm then declares that the stolen property also cannot be hidden and will be found "by the cross of Christ."
