Caedmon

Caedmon was an Anglo-Saxon poet, often considered the first known poet in the English language. He lived in the 7th century and is primarily known from Bede's "Ecclesiastical History of the English People." According to Bede, Caedmon was a Christian herdsman who received divine inspiration to compose biblical poetry, transforming his humble life into one of spiritual significance. His works celebrated Christian themes and Biblical narratives in verse, using the Old English language. Caedmon's legacy is significant because it marks the beginning of recorded English poetry and illustrates the early intertwining of faith and literature in England.