Otfrid of Weissenburg was a 9th-century monk and poet from the region of Alsace, known for his significant contributions to early medieval literature. He is best remembered for his work, the "Evangelienbuch," which is a poetic retelling of the four Gospels in Old High German. This text is notable for being one of the earliest examples of German literature. Otfrid's writing aimed to make the Christian message accessible to the German-speaking population of his time. His use of verse and rhythm helped to engage readers and listeners, making religious teachings more relatable. His influence is seen as a bridge between Latin ecclesiastical traditions and the emerging vernacular literature of Germany.