1.) How well known are the Acritic songs in modern-day Greece? Are they taught in schools (I'd imagine at least Digenes Akritas would be) or are they only studied in university? 2.) In your opinion, which works of Byzantine literature are the most well known in Greece nowadays/have had the most cultural impact?
1) Almost not known at all. People who know them are very interested in Byzantine history and have searched a lot about Byzantium and Greek Orthodoxy. We are taught in school about the Akrites (a chapter or so?) but most people forget about them or remember them vaguely. I am interested in Byzantine history more than the average Greek and I have only heard one Akritic song and this was about Digenes Akritas. (I should note that I don’t study Byzantine history, I am just enamored by it).
Pontiac and Cypriot people seem to have more traditional songs about Akrites and I assume that a lot of modern Pontiacs and Cypriots have heard of them. From what I have found other areas far from the borders may have fewer or just one song about Akrites and that is all.
edit to correct that statement: Greek folklorist Nikolaos Politis has counted 1.300 songs about Akrites around Greece. Still, most people aren’t familiar with them.
Here is a link for a playlist with songs about Digenes Akritas and other Akritic songs (Link)
2) It seems to me, Byzantine history is not trendy in our days. The average Greek is exposed to more information about ancient Greece than Byzantine Empire, even though we are taught those periods equally in school. Even though Byzantine tradition is closer to us and it’s dominant in our religion, the Greek society doesn’t have a big love for it. I know plenty of Greeks who want to read the ancient Greek works in their free time but none who wants to read Byzantine works.
For these reasons, I cannot name a single Byzantine literature work on the top of my head and I think almost all Greeks will be in the same position. I am sure the Byzantine literature and science works are plenty and rich in content, however the average Greek knows next to nothing about them.
When it comes to Byzantine works, mostly the religious ones are known - and only from people who are close to the Church. Liturgical poetry (kontakia) are an example of this.
Unfortunatelly, I cannot answer your second question but I have found some links that could help you. (Link1) (Link2) (Link3 - this is from wikipedia but has good stuff)
Greeks who have different experiences and information are encouraged to reblog and comment! Anyone who is interested in Byzantine studies is welcome to comment, as well!
