<i>Genesis A</i> and <i>B</i>
Paul G. Remley
The textually diverse sequence of Anglo‐Saxon poetry in Genesis A and B , unevenly following I–XXII originally comprising more than 3300 lines, represents the single longest thematically integrated transmitted Old English. is a subsection that follows an Saxon poem treating Genesis, related to Heliand, poetic celebration life Christ, possible product later Carolingian programme biblical versification. thus might be dated c. 880 or later, with literary reforms promoted by Alfred. rendering literalistic, allowing differentiation matter derived from Jerome's Vulgate text earlier Latin versions. effectively conflates so‐called Yahwist Priestly narratives on Creation has abridged Flood narrative exhibiting correspondences liturgical extracts account Noah. Additions sources recall content early medieval classroom instruction also Bede's Cædmon, said have based his verse paraphrases provided learned interpreters. diverges its inclusion traditional vocabulary recalling language English heroic verse.
The Encyclopedia of Medieval Literature in Britain