Codex Junius 11

"Codex Junius 11" by Unknown is an anthology of Old English poems composed between the 7th and 10th centuries. This collection puts biblical accounts like "Genesis A," "Genesis B," "Exodus," "Daniel," and "Christ and Satan" into verse. It shows how these central stories were adapted into a poetic style for the Anglo-Saxons, embodying both religious ideas and traditions passed down by word of mouth. "Codex Junius 11" begins with the creation story from "Genesis," stressing God's greatness and the huge war involving rebel angels led by Lucifer, who becomes Satan. The text tells of these disobedient spirits being thrown out and then the creation of Earth, Adam, and Eve. The tone is serious, focusing on doing what you're told, the freedom to choose, and the heavy results of going against God's rules. Adam and Eve start as innocent and happy, but when the serpent tempts them, their lives change greatly, hinting at the hardships humans will meet because of going against what they're told.