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
His praise nor know His glory. (90-97) example of superhuman powers, in the poem, is Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother. The first superhuman quality exhibited is when Beowulf enters the water wearing full armor and carrying a sword. He swims straight down without air for an entire day before he reaches the bottom. During the battle with Grendel's mother, Beowulf realizes that Hrunting, his sword, is useless against the monster's thick skin. Bewoulf is only able to defeat Grendel's mother by attaining a magical sword hammered by giants. Flinging this sword, he exhibits his superhuman strength because the sword is: "...so massive that no ordinary man could lift/ its carved and decorated length" (634-635). Beowulf attains wergild, another key pagan concept, by slaying Grendel and his mother. Beowulf is able to make things right and get even with the beast who does not believe in the concept of reparation. Prior to Beowulf's defeat of Grendel, customs. The Christian additions represent the conversion many of the Anglo-Saxon people were making to the Christian faith at the period in which Beowulf was written. The pagan and Christian overtones directly reflect the society of the Anglo-Saxons, and the work Beowulf directly reflects this concept. Without the influences of both paganism and Christianity, Beowulf's story and parallels would greatly be lacking sufficient meaning and depth. tle. This view is very typical of the Anglo-Saxon people bec
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 992
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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