The Legend of the Rood (Latin: De ligno sancte crucis) is a complex of medieval tales loosely derived from the Old Testament.
In its fullest form, the narrative tells of how the dying Adam sends his son Seth back to Paradise to seek an elixir which will render him immortal.
The angel guarding the gates of Paradise refuses Seth access, but does give him a seed from the tree from which Adam and Eve had stolen the apple.
On his return, Seth finds his father dead, but places this seed under his tongue and then buries him at Golgotha.
It is found in many medieval Adam Books, and provides the central framework of works such as the Welsh Ystorya Adaf.