Beowulf
Beowulf was written in England sometime in the 8th century. This provides us with an idea that the poem that was written during a time when the society was in the process of converted from paganism to Christianity. The Christian influences were combined with early folklore and heroic legends of German tribes and we try to look at whether or not Christian and biblical influences were added later to originally pagan poem or not. The fact that Christianity and Paganism are so closely intertwined in the poem is the reason Beowulf has both Christian and pagan influences.The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman personifications. Beowulf is depicted as a superhero. Beowulf takes it upon himself to save the Danes from Grendel. In his battle with Grendel, Beowulf chooses not to use weapons; he relies on his super strength. During the fight, Beowulf's strength takes over, and Beowulf wrestles with Grendel until he is able to rip one of the monster's arms out of its socket. Superhuman feats also appear in the fight with Grendel's mother. When Beowulf enters the water, he swims, without the use of oxygen, downward for an entire day before he sees the bottom. Durin
He is the image of a man fallen from grace through sin. Grendel's stalking of the Dane's is similar to the devil when he was cast out of heaven and the joys that were there. Just as Beowulf exemplifies Christ, Grendel mirrors Satan. He grabs an enormous sword made by giants, almost too heavy to hold, and slashes through the monster's body. The dragon represents malice, greed, and destruction. Grendel has no knowledge of weapons, so he, too, depends on his extraordinary strength to destroy his enemies. The fact that he wished to be cremated also suggests that he is a pagan. Grendel is referred to as a descendant of Cain, whom Satan tricks into sinning and committing the first murder. Both set out on a venture to save their people. He stalks the people and terrorizes them because he is jealous of their joy. Beowulf's fight with the dragon is a realization of the story of salvation where Beowulf, like Christ, gives his life for his people. Many of the characters exhibit Christian characteristics. He drinks alot and has a tendency to kill people and creatures. The technique of combining two different ideals made the poem Beowulf very interesting to read. The author has exalted the fights with fabled monsters into a conflict between the powers of good and evil.
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Acceptance Essays
