Beowulf
Beowulf, Pagan or Christian? No one knows for sure. Beowulf was written sometime around the 8th century. During this time, society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. As a result, Beowulf holds characteristics from both Christianity and Paganism. However, I personally feel that Beowulf and his author were both Christian, but both cultures could can be found though out the poem. The first Pagan element in Beowulf is evident in the characters superhuman personifications. Beowulf took it upon himself to save the Danes from Grendal. He chose not to use weapons in the fight against Grendel, he relied solely on his super strength. This same super strength also played a role for Beowulf in the fight against Grendel’s mother. Beowulf swam downward for entire day without the use of oxygen. This superhero strength continued with the battle against the dragon. By the time Beowulf fought the dragon he was an old man. Even though Beowulf was fatally wounded he still managed to deliver the final blow that killed the dragon. Beowulf wasn’t the only character that held super natural powers. For example, Grendal had no knowledge of weapons; therefore he relied on his extraordinary strength to destroy hi . . .
The dragon also held a paranormal power. These supernatural characteristics and battles between good and evil are example of epic stories during pagan times. ” Grendel is even referred to as a descendent of Cain, whom Satan tricks into sinning and committing the first murder. The waiting is similar to the apostles waiting for Christ to return from the garden of Gethsemane. Another trait that gives the book a non-Christian essence is Beowulf himself. Beowulf also wished to be cremated; this suggests that he was pagan. Grendel’s stalking of the Danes is similar to the devil when he was cast out of heaven and the joys that were there. Despite elements from both cultures, I believe the work had a Christian foundation. He rose from the water a redeemed man, much as Christ arose at the ninth hour, the hour of Christ’s death on the cross. Beside Christian elements, the poem has many Christian parallels. He could spit fire that was so intense that it actually melted Beowulf’s shield to his body. Christ knew before his death that he was facing a great challenge, and he forgave his enemies. He knew he was facing a greater challenge than before. He drank in excess and killed other people and creatures.
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