Christianity And Pagansim In Beowulf
The epic poem Beowulf, written in the Eighth Century, is predominantly written based on pagan beliefs. It is evident, as the story traveled by word of mouth, many Christian beliefs were added. Christianity, at the time this epic was written, was on a steady incline. Many missionaries were traveling all over England preaching the word and leaving their mark. Beowulf can be analyzed for both its pagan motifs- fate, superhuman behavior, reparation, and many gods- as well as its Christian overtones- Christian characterizations, Adam and Eve, and Resemblances to Jesus. The pagan motifs symbolize and represent the culture of the Anglo-Saxon people. Much like the writings of today, the Anglo-Saxon people tell stories of what they know and believe. Knowing this, one must agree Beowulf is a direct reflection of the Anglo-Saxon society. Fate is a key pagan concept mentioned many times throughout the epic poem. In a pagan society, fate determines all. Living short lives, the pagan people believe in destiny and everything happening for a reason. As one can see, even in battle ‘“…fate decides/ Which of us wins”’ (677-678). This line shows Beowulf believes fate is the higher power, and fate alone will decide the outcome of the battl . . .
Throughout the poem, Beowulf shows many superhuman or “god-like” qualities. These Christian overtones and additions of Heaven and Hell reflect the tremendous impact the Christian faith has had on the Anglo-Saxon people. The dragon represents the sin every man must overcome. He swims straight down without air for an entire day before he reaches the bottom. During the fight with Grendel’s mother, the reader can see a great image of Jesus on the cross when Beowulf, “…was stretched/ On his back” (623-624). Many of the characters in the epic poem have Christian characteristics. The pagan inclusions represent the society of the Anglo-Saxon people, their beliefs, and their customs. Beowulf attains wergild, another key pagan concept, by slaying Grendel and his mother. Beowulf dies for these sins in order to save his people just as Jesus died for the sins of mankind. He is fair in fighting Grendel without weapons and just by punishing the beast for its deeds. A prime example of superhuman powers, in the poem, is Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother. The inclusion of pagan and Christian beliefs is clearly evident in the poem. (90-97) The citizens being plagued by the evil beast sacrifice, hoping for Satan’s guidance.
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