Christianity and Pagonism
Beowulf was written in England sometime during the 8th century. This provides the reader with an idea that the poem was written during a time when society was in the process of being converted from paganism to Christianity. The Christian influences were combined with early folklore and heroic legends of German tribes. The reader attempts to look at whether or not Christian and biblical influences were later added to the original pagan poem or weather they already existed. The fact that Christianity and paganism are so closely intertwined in the poem is the reason Beowulf has both Christian The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman strengths. 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 the socket. Superhuman feats also appear in the fight with Grendel's mother. When Beowulf enters the water, he swims, without the use of oxyg
He knows he Lawson-4is faced with a greater challenge than before. The dragon is Beowulf's last and greatest battle. While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones dominate. Finally, just as Christ had one last battle, Beowulf has his final battle with the dragon. Grendel's stalking of the Dane's is similar to the devil when he was cast out of heaven. The dragon represents malice, greed, and destruction. The immersion purifies him, and he overcomes the evil power of Grendel's mother. Although Beowulf is fatally wounded himself, he still manages to deliver the final blow that kills the dragon. During the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf realizes that Unferth's sword is useless against the monster's thick skin. Beowulf understands the plight of the Danes that are being oppressed by the evil monster Grendel just as Christ knew of the oppression of the Jewish people. Grendel is the image of a man fallen from grace through sin. Beowulf has a Christ-like behavior in his good-heartedness and charity. In mixing Christian and pagan ideas, the poet of Beowulf was able to emphasize the morals of his time and to enhance his characters with Christian values and pagan legends. In conclusion, the author of Beowulf was very effective in combining pagan and Christian ideas in his poem. Many of the characters exhibit Christian characteristics.
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Acceptance Essays
