Wæfre

Wæfre, also known as "knave" or "cunning man," is a term used to describe a person in Anglo-Saxon England who was considered to be a deceitful or cunning individual. This term appears in a variety of Old English texts, including Exeter Book and maxims from the Codex Vossianus.

The word is derived from the Old English word "wæflen," meaning "to mock" or "to deceive." Wæfre was often associated with the concept of "wifmannen," or cunning women, who were believed to possess magical powers and the ability to deceive others.

In early medieval literature, the wæfre was often depicted as a trickster figure, using their cunning to achieve their goals. They were seen as a threat to social order and were frequently the subject of cautionary tales.

In the Middle English period, the term took on a more nuanced meaning, and the wæfre began to be seen as a type of charlatan or con artist. This change in perception reflects the growing distrust of magic and the supernatural in medieval society.

The concept of the wæfre continues to be studied by scholars of Anglo-Saxon literature and culture. They provide valuable insight into the social and cultural values of the time, as well as the developing notion of what it means to be "cunning" or deceitful.

The study of wæfre is closely tied to the study of folklore, mythology, and the history of magic in medieval Europe. By examining the role of the wæfre in medieval society, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of the time.