• Workshop is November 8, 2025

  • Session runs from 12:00 - 3:00pm Eastern U.S. time

  • This workshop is open to all. No prior background required.

Old High German represents the earliest stage of the German language. Along with its linguistic relatives, Gothic and Old English, Old High German boasts one of the most substantial and varied bodies of writing among the early medieval Germanic languages. The corpus of Old High German literature encompasses a rich and exciting range of texts: lays recalling the pre-Christian Germanic past, poems celebrating warrior saints, Germanic reimaginings of the Bible, and even magical pagan charms.
Enroll now!

Meet Your Instructor

John J. Gallagher

Dr John Gallagher researches and teaches Old English and related North Sea literatures and languages, including Old Saxon, Old Norse-Icelandic, and Latin, among others. John has taught various courses on Old English and medieval literature for Medievalists.net, the University of St Andrews, University College Dublin, and the Orthodox Academy of Crete.

More information about this workshop:

Those with a background in Old English and other medieval literatures may be especially interested in this related literary context. 

All material will be read in translation with original language editions provided for those who wish to engage more closely with the original texts on their own. 

The workshop will combine lecture, seminar-style discussion, and group activities. Some light preparatory reading (primary texts in translation) will be circulated in advance. 

  • Access to materials for 30 days after the workshop ends