ash.p1.t3.Anglo-Saxon

The writing of Ango-Saxon literature began in the 7th century and was divided into numerous different genres such as epic poetry, Bible translations, ajnd chronicles. Many of these writings often reflected a cultural conflict that symbolized traditional Anglo-Saxon cultures, even though most of the culture was heavily influenced by the ancient Greeks. For example, it was an Anglo-Saxon trradition to burn the bodies of the dead on a funeral pyre, while the Greeks would simply bury their dead in the ground. The epic poem Beowulf most famously translated by Seamus Heaney is a perfect example of theis Anglo-Saxon conflict. At the end of this epic poem, Beowulf is lamenting. The Greats buld a pyre and follow Beowulf's wishes. This ritual was controversial because it did not reflect the monastic life that was common with the ancient Greek traditions. This brings us to the comparison between ancient Greek religion and Anglo-Saxon religion. The methods for which the people were buried or cremated after death is reflected greatly in the religion of the culture. Whereas Greek religion was polytheistic, worshiping many Gods such as Poseidon, Apollo, and Hermes, the Anglo-Saxon religion became more Christian and only worshiped one deity. In Beowulf, only one God is mentioned in numerous times, thus reflecting the cultural conflict of Anglo-Saxon traditions rather than the ancient Greek religion.