English Grade 9 - Lesson 3: Hymns

What is a Hymn?

• A lyrical composition expressive of religious aspiration, petition, confession, communion, or praise

• Neither a poem alone nor music alone

5 Different Types of Hymn

1. True Hymn: A hymn addressed to God and considered as prayers and should be sung accordingly

2. Psalms: The hymns found in the Book of Psalms in the Bible

3. Spiritual Songs: Hymns that uplift the worshippers and are addressed to them rather than to a deity

4. Chorales: Characterized mainly by their even rhythm, which lends great stateliness to their performance

5. Gospel Hymn: Developed in the past century by preachers but does not really refer to the Gospel

Caedmon's Hymn by Venerable Bede

• A hymn expressing gratitude for God's creations

• Alludes to God as the heaven-kingdom's Guardian, the Measurer's might and his mind-plans, the work of the Glory-Father

• Caedmon is thankful for heaven, earth, and mankind, expressing gratitude for each

Kennings in "Caedmon's Hymn"

1. "heaven-kingdom's Guardian" refers to God as ruler of heaven

2. "mind-plans" means the creator thinking the world into being

3. "the Glory-Father" is God, the creator of our world

4. "middle-earth" is definitely our world

5. "mankind's Guardian" is God, the protector of humans