Beowulf-Christianity or Paganism
             Beowulf was written in England sometime in the 8th century. This provides us with an idea that the poem that was written during a time when the society was in the process of converting from paganism to Christianity. The Christian influences were combined with early folklore and the heroic legends of the German tribes. That Christianity and Paganism are so closely intertwined in the poem shows that Beowulf has both Christian and pagan influences.
             The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman personifications. 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 instead on his superhuman strength
             I have heard that the monster
             in his recklessness uses no weapons.
             I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac my lord,
             scorn to carry sword or shield,
             but I shall seize my enemy
             in my hand grip and fight,
             enemy against enemy,
             and let God decide
             who shall be taken by death.
            
             . 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 its socket. Superhuman feats also appear in the fight with Grendel's mother. When Beowulf enters the mere, he swims, seemingly without the need of oxygen, downward for an entire day before he reaches the bottom.
             The surging water took
             the warrior, and it was
             a good part of a day
             before he found the bottom.
            
             During the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf realizes that Unferth's sword is useless against the monster's thick skin. He grabs an enormous sword made by giants, almost too heavy to hold, and slashes through the monster's body.
             The wise ruler of the skies
             decided justice easily when
             Beowulf stood up again:
             there among the weapons
             he saw a victory-blessed sword,
             an old sword made by giants
             with strong edges, t...