The aim of this research is to examine the portrayal of celestial occurrences involving fire in early medieval English literature.

These evocative events exhibit a wide range of characteristics. For instance, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle depicts a red sky in the years 793 and 1117, the Old English Letter of Alexander to Aristotle describes fiery rain from the sky, and the poetic rewriting of the biblical Exodus illustrates a fiery cloud moving across the burning sky, transforming into a sail to shield the Israelites during their passage through Egypt, and then evolving into two bright rays to lead them to the Red Sea. Additionally, Aldhelm's Carmen Rhythmicum portrays a flaming celestial dome preceding the destruction of the church, where the faithful have sought refuge.

These occurrences are often associated with the invasion of an enemy population or with hostility between two groups of people or forces. This connection can be observed in sources such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and Aldhelm, where there is clear evidence linking the Viking invasions with the appearance of a red sky. Similarly, the Chronicle for the year 1117 attributes the occurrence to the animosity between the French monarch and his neighbours, while the enmity between Israelites and Egyptians is documented in the Bible.

As a result, this study aims to investigate how these celestial events were perceived and depicted in early medieval England.

The study aims to identify the type of astronomical phenomenon (if possible) and then analyze the recurring patterns in its portrayal to determine if the associated imagery forms a common literary theme in relation to adversaries. The research will also investigate whether specific groups, perceived as enemies, are linked to particular celestial phenomena.

The investigation will utilize comparison of specific text passages that contain similar imagery related to conflict or enmity. It will delve into Old Norse kennings (metaphorical compounds) from the Voluspa and Darraðarljóð, among others, which depict fiery and crimson skies. Additionally, it will analyze some stanzas from the medieval Irish Saltair na Rann and In Teanga Bithnua, where the red sky is associated with the flaming clouds of the heathen. Lastly, it will explore Paul the Deacon's History of the Lombards, which recounts how the redness, fire spears, and glowing light in the sky led to Feudepert, a Frankish monarch, engaging in conflict and triumphing over his cousin Chlothar.