Orrm facts for kids
Orrm, also known as Orrmin, was a religious writer who lived a long time ago, around the 1150s to 1180s. He was an Augustinian canon, which means he was a type of priest who followed the rules of Saint Augustine. Orrm wrote a very important book called the Ormulum. It's a collection of religious lessons written in poetry. This book is special because it's the oldest known English book written by its own author. It also tells us a lot about the English language from that time, called Middle English. Orrm's work helped share Latin teachings with both other priests and regular English-speaking people.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Orrm tells us his name at the end of his book's dedication. He wrote: "Where I was christened, I was named Orrmin by name." His name, Orrm, comes from an old Norse word meaning "worm," "serpent," or "dragon." The name "Orrmin" (with "myn" meaning "man") was common in the Danelaw area of England. This was a part of England where many people had Viking (Norse) backgrounds.
The Book's Title
The title of his book, Ormulum, is similar to the Latin word speculum, which means "mirror." Many medieval books had "mirror" in their titles. These books were often meant to reflect or show important knowledge.
Orrm's Language
Orrm's name and the language he used in his book show his background. The Ormulum was written in an East Midlands dialect of English. This dialect was common in the Danelaw region. It included many words from Old Norse. However, it had very few words from French, which was unusual for the time.
Where and When Orrm Lived
Orrm wrote the Ormulum because his brother, Walter, asked him to. Walter was his brother both by family and as a fellow Augustinian canon. This information, along with the specific English dialect Orrm used, helps us guess where he lived.
Possible Locations
Many experts believe Orrm wrote his book at Bourne Abbey in Bourne, Lincolnshire. This abbey was founded in 1138 by a group of canons called Arrouaisian canons. Their rules were very similar to those of Saint Augustine. Also, Orrm's book includes prayers to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. These two saints were the special patrons of Bourne Abbey.
When Orrm Wrote
We don't know the exact years Orrm was active. However, based on the style of writing and the way the book looks, he might have started working on the Ormulum as early as 1150. He may have continued writing it until the 1180s.
