King Alfred the Great of Wessex translated Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy into Old English around 890 CE, adapting the Latin text for his contemporary audience while adding original reflections on kingship and wisdom. This translation was part of Alfred's broader program to revive learning in England after Viking disruptions, establishing English as a legitimate language for serious intellectual and literary work alongside Latin.

Alfred's translation demonstrated that vernacular English could handle complex philosophical concepts, encouraging future writers to compose in English rather than exclusively Latin. His preface discussing the value of wisdom influenced Old English poetic themes. By legitimizing English for scholarly purposes, Alfred helped preserve the possibility of vernacular literary development that would eventually produce works like Beowulf in written form and later Middle English poetry.