Beowulf as a Christlike Figure

             The epic poem, Beowulf, recounts the tale of a man named Beowulf who sacrifices his
             own safety to save the Danes from two evil dragons. Then, years later, Beowulf risks his life yet
             again to save his own people from a dragon. Throughout the story, Beowulf is presented as a
             Christ-like figure. This is manifested in the events that take place, the way that Beowulf speaks
             about himself, and the way the people treat him.
             The first way Beowulf's likeness to Christ is revealed, is through the events that take
             place. After Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will fight Grendel, there is a celebration. During the celebration, Welthow, the queen "raised a flowing cup" (615) and poured "a portion from the jeweled cup/ For each" (621-622). When she got to Beowulf, she "thanked God for answering her prayers" (625). This event is strikingly similar to the Last Supper when Jesus passed around a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. Then, the crucifixion is portrayed when Beowulf fights Grendel's mother. During the stuggle, other monsters come to watch and beat at "His mail shirt, stabbing with tusks and teeth/ As they followed along" (1510-1511). Similarly, when Jesus was crucified, crowds drew near laughing at him, hurling insults, and spitting on him. Finally, Beowulf is said to have "Gone to a glorious death" (3037) and his soul "Left his flesh, flew to glory" (2820). This is similar to the resurrection of Jesus. All of these events clearly parallel the events of Jesus' day.
             What Beowulf says also shows his similarity to Christ. Beowulf says "I already knew
             that all/ My purpose was this: to win the good will/ Of your people" (633-635). Jesus also knew
             that it was his mission to come down to earth to save his people from their sins. Later, Beowulf says:
             What I mean to, here, no man but me
             Could hope to defeat this monster. No one
             ...

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Beowulf as a Christlike Figure. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 11:29, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/52202.html