Spirits and Skins: The <i>Sceapheord</i> of Exeter Book <i>Riddle</i> 13 and Holy Labour

Abstract While the unnamed creatures of Exeter Book Riddle 13 have been read as ‘chickens’ since early twentieth century, this solution has never fully satisfied either narrative description or cryptic puzzles short verse text. In article, I propose a new solution, Old English word SCEAPHEORD (‘flock sheep’), which fulfils various clues riddle and fits more satisfactorily among quadruped cluster neighbouring Riddles 12, 14 15. Far from settling meaning text, opens to range interpretative possibilities. Following previous critical work on role medieval riddles in teaching practice, will demonstrate that invites readings wandering sceapheord several discrete levels, process analogous fourfold biblical exegesis: literal (a flock sheep), historical (allusions Eden, following Patrick Murphy) anagogical (images renewal salvation). A fourth, moral level interpretation is revealed through attention riddle’s letter-games etymological puns, which, Isidorean tradition, portray human language reflective material reality. By emphasizing relationship between textual real, poem encourages monks apply their skills exegetical analysis daily labour (represented by ubiquity sheep-rearing economy). celebrating spiritual individual acts manual labour, also reinforces theological importance collective monastic work.