Leofric, the first bishop of Exeter, gained his exalted position in 1050AD. Amongst his other acts, he donated a large book of poems and riddles to the cathedral library. The Exeter Book, as it is now known, is the largest surviving collection of Old English literature. The author or compiler is unknown, but the date of its creation is thought to have been in the second half of the 10th century.
Riddle 25 of the Exeter Book has become well-known. See what you make of it…
I am a wondrous creature: to women a thing of desire; to neighbours serviceable. I harm no city-dweller, except my slayer alone. My stalk is erect and tall – I stand up in bed – and shaggy down below (I won’t say where). Sometimes a countryman’s comely daughter will venture, proud girl, to get a grip on me. She assaults my redness, plunders my head, and fixes me in a tight place. The one who afflicts me so, this woman with curly locks, will soon feel the effect of her encounter with me – an eye will be wet.
Faire Maidens by Wolfrage
