Beowulf
In the heroic epic Beowulf, there are various examples of religious beliefs, both Christian and pagan. These examples play a major role in the tale, and include things such as God's love (Christian) and making sacrifices to several gods (pagan). Explanations of these beliefs are necessary to understand this epic and here six of these beliefs will be discussed, three Christian and three pagan. One of the many Christian beliefs is expressed at the beginning of the tale, when the creation of the earth is explained. The epic describes creation by saying that The Almighty (God) made and shaped the earth. The explanation given matches that of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. This belief is used to help introduce Grendel and where he came from.
One last display of a Christian belief is shown at the end of the tale, in which the men are said to have praise to God for the souls of the fallen to be able to make it to Heaven. Pagans believe this deadly beverage makes them stronger, and in some cases godly. Following both religions back to their roots in history shows that most Christian beliefs have pagan "parents"; this meaning that those beliefs were adopted and incorporated into Christian rituals. Pagans believe this burning releases the spirit to travel on to the afterworld. Royal possessions, and even royal members themselves, were ordained, therefore pure, clean, and protected. One of the biggest and final pagan beliefs is given at the end of the epic, when Beowulf's body is burned. Many are intermingled and left to be understood by the practitioner. Numerous Christian and pagan beliefs are given in Beowulf, and many can be interpreted as both Christian and pagan. No one belief can be traced back to its beginning and said to be strictly Christian or pagan. A first of these is the ritual of sacrificing to the stone gods, the making of heathen vows, hoping for Hell's support, and the Devil's guidance in driving the warriors' affliction off. A second pagan exercise is done when Grendel attacks the first Geat, and drinks the Geats' blood from his veins, and then snaps his mouth shut, killing the Geat. Not only are Christian beliefs displayed in Beowulf, but also pagan practices are used. Many Christians give praise and prayer to God at their beloved's funeral to help in their healing and give assurances that the souls of the dead will be safe and protected on their journey to Heaven.
Common topics in this essay:
Geat Pagan,
Heaven Christian,
,
Numerous Christian,
God Royal,
Heaven Christians,
Grendel Christian,
Almighty God,
Bible Genesis,
christian pagan,
christian beliefs,
pagan beliefs,
pagans believe,
pagan practices,
christian belief,
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Acceptance Essays
