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 bat
Flinging this sword, he exhibits his superhuman strength because the sword is: ". This quote, as well as others, seems to contradict the pagan beliefs on which the poem is based. Grendel's home resembles the dark and miserable gates of Hell, and Herot can be compared to the Garden of Eden. Grendel, referred to as "the son of Cain," is condemned by God and represents all that is evil. down/ In the darkness, growled in pain. Without the influences of both paganism and Christianity, Beowulf's story and parallels would greatly be lacking sufficient meaning and depth. Beowulf himself, with his many Christ-like qualities, is the most evident example. The pagan inclusions represent the society of the Anglo-Saxon people, their beliefs, and their customs. He swims straight down without air for an entire day before he reaches the bottom. These "god-like" qualities or superhuman personifications show that the people of that era believe in powers greater than the ordinary man, such as magic. Beowulf dies for these sins in order to save his people just as Jesus died for the sins of mankind. The true revelation of the Christian faith comes about in Beowulf's final battle with the dragon. While Beowulf can be said to represent Jesus Christ, Grendel can be said to represent the fallen angel, Lucifer.
Common topics in this essay:
Resemblances Jesus,
Garden Eden,
God Heaven,
Eighth Century,
Heaven Hell,
Christ Beowulf,
Anglo- Saxon,
Lucifer Grendel,
Support Devil's,
Prior Beowulf's,
anglo-saxon people,
grendel's mother,
epic poem,
christian faith,
battle grendel's mother,
christian overtones,
pagan people,
garden eden,
beliefs added,
god-like qualities,
key pagan concept,
people believe,
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