Combination of religious and secular elements in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
             In this essay I will point out, on the one hand, the elements of the pagan warrior society and the Christian elements in Beowulf and, on the other hand, the contradiction of the heroic code with religious elements in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In Beowulf there is an important value of human relationship in the pagan society, based on relationship between the warriors and the king. Warriors are protective and loyal to his lord who provides them with food, drink and various gifts for their brave deeds. The meaning of the gifts is not only materialistic but also spiritual. However, there are two main plots in Sir Gawain that are of significant importance: the seduction of Sir Gawain by a lady and the hunting scenes of Bertilak which are parallel and the mortal blow of the hero.
             Beowulf is introduced as courageous, bold, noble, extremely strong, the bravest of all men and has a very good reputation. The chivalrous code is very important in the pagan society. The warriors are estimated by the good deeds that they perform for their king and for return he provides for them. The relationship between a warrior and a king is based on the mutual trust and respect. Beowulf has the reputation of being invincible. And when he cuts off Grendel's arm, it only acknowledges his reputation. However, the story of Beowulf is interwoven with many elements of Christian religion which seem to be very important for the pagan society especially when performing the deeds. The poet refers to the Old Testament where God is the creator of all things on Earth and only with God's will people can preserve their lives. God's will is identical with fate (wyrd in the old English) which entirely determines about lives of men, who will live and who will die. Beowulf chooses the heroic way of life, he uses his strength in the most courageous way,...