Beowulf the epic poem was written during the 700's in England. During that time frame the English were beginning to transfer from the Paganism religion to Christianity. Many critics seem to think that Christianity was added after the original pagan poem was written. Whether that is the case or not the two religions both play a large roll in the two parts of the poem.
             Pagan influences seem evident in the invincible character of Beowulf. The superhero decides he doesn't need weapons to defeat Grendel. He will use his inhumane strengths to kill Grendel. He uses his remarkable special powers to wrestle Grendel and rip off his arm in the process. Not a feat completed by a human often. Definitely the work of a godly power.
             Other paganistic qualities Beowulf seems to undertake is the swimming under water for a day without oxygen to battle Grendel's mother around the sea floor. In this fight he realizes the sword he was planning on using didn't punture the think skin of the mother.
             "Again he faced death in the eye and lifted a sword made by the giants, enormous in size, almost to heavy to hold and slashes threw the monsters body"
             In many pagan stories the dragon is used as the character to test the hero's elite capability. This story is no exception, Grendel is the final test for Beowulf.
             "The dragon in Beowulf spits fire with such intense heat that it melts Beowulf's shield to his body. The author has exalted the fights with fabled monsters into a conflict between the powers of good and evil. These battles are examples of epic folklore during pagan times."
             These few things help the pagan side of things, could be related to being down by 3 in the forth quarter, having your defense force a safety and be able to run the score up in your favor by getting the ball back. Those extra 2 points help in a 25 point game.
             "He drinks alot and has a tendency to kill people and...