Beowulf and Christianity
The author of Beowulf writes in order to provide a link between the Christians of 8th century England and their pagan ancestors. Throughout the poem he allays to the reader the mystical war-laden world of the Anglo-Saxons, where a great hero fights for his people against several terrible foes. However, throughout this mystical pagan story, filled with pagan values like revenge and self-righteousness, there are numerous examples of the Christian morals and values widely known across early medieval England. Through close analysis of the poem it is clear that the author intends to use this age-old pagan story intertwined with his own Christian values and morals, to produce a story which both entertains his audience and provides a meaningful history for the English people. The tendency for cultures to bridge the gap between the old pagan ways and the emerging Christian world, and create a history for themselves worth believing in, was prevalent throughout medieval Europe. In England, with its conglomerate of both contrasting and similar cultures, from the Anglo-Saxons of which the poem is based, to the warrior culture of the Celts, to the nature worshipping societies of the ancient Druids, this tendency is very evident. Even . . .
In the mystical battle with Grendel, Beowulf chooses not to use weapons, but instead relies on his self-stated super strength, eventually ripping of the arm of the powerful beast and ending the devastion which faced the Danes. Grendel is even referred to in the poem as "the guardian of sins". These battles are all examples of epic folklore, covered with superhuman feats, which dominated much of Anglo-Saxon traditions and culture. Beowulf has a Christ-like behavior in his good-heartedness and charity. During the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf realizes that sword given to him by Unferth is useless against the impenetrable skin of the monster. The pagan elements of this epic poem are most evident in the main character’s superhuman abilities to fight and destroy the evil forces which reek havoc in the Anglo-Saxon world. He drinks excessively and has a tendency to kill people and other creatures. Superhuman feats also appear in the fight with Grendel's mother, which takes place in almost dream-like environment at the bottom of the murky lake. While Beowulf is in the mere, all the thanes except Wiglaf give up hope and leave at the ninth hour, the hour of Christ's death on the cross. Beside Christian elements, the poem has many Christian analogies. When he battles Grendel, Beowulf exhibits a sense of fairness when he refuses to use a weapon. While Christ was in the Garden, the apostles gave up and fell asleep, all except Peter who loyally awaited Christ's return. Though we may never know the exact motives of the author in writing this epic poem, we do know that its effect was and continues to be well received among many audiences. In his poem, the author of Beowulf also intends to bridge this ever-closing gap. ” It is a classic work which, according to J.
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