The Anglo-Saxons were polytheistic. They resided in Denmark, southern Sweden and Norway until about 500 BC when they invaded lands in central Europe belonging to the Celts. When Alaric and the Goths sacked Rome in 410 AD and the Romans moved troops from England to defend the Empire from Roman from invasion, the Angles, Saxons and Jutes took over control of the land. In the 6th and 7th centuries and beyond, they ruled over the area known in modern times to be England. Warriors wore helmets of iron and bronze, carried decorated shields and swords and wore belt buckles of gold. The gods worshiped were similar to Norse gods: Woden (Odin), Frea, Thunor (Thor), Heremod, Tiw (Tyr) and Eostre. They buried their dead in mounds. In 1066, the Normans invaded England and greatly influenced Anglo-Saxon language, culture and law. Anglo-Saxon culture influences modern American and European life. Our days of the week are named after some of the gods (Wednesday=Woden’s day; Tuesday=Tiw’s day). Eostre was a goddess whom Spring was named after and feasts were had in honor of. Modern day Easter celebrations have their origins in this pagan festival. The European custom of burning a yule log also has its origins in Anglo-Saxon paganism.
Michael's Online Museum 