The Anglo-Saxon Belief in Christianity and Fate

Imagine a life in which one is simply a pawn at the hands of a mysterious higher

force stumbling and meandering through life's tribulations. Until Pope Gregory the

Great was sent to spread Christianity throughout England, the Anglo- Saxons

believed solely in this passive, victimizing philosophy. These pagans still clung to

much of their heathen culture after the wave of Christianity swept through England

leaving no one behind. Literature derived from this period (including Beowulf, "The

Seafarer," and "The Wanderer") directly reflects the maintaining of Christian ideals, as

well as the belief in fate's unknown and often grim path. For example, the epic poem,

Beowulf , declares, "...Fate will unwind as it must!" (line 284). Meanwhile, the same

work implies God has the authority in this great world by stating, "And all his glorious

band of Geats/Thanked God their leader had come back unharmed," (598-599) as if

God was the deciding factor in the great protector's health. The joining

convincedness in God and fate influences the culture, outlook on life, and the various

baffling and sometimes unfair events, as well as an eternal promise and protection

sailor explains his painful lifestyle by stating, "...my soul/Called me eagerly out..."

independent life paths of Anglo- Saxons. These early Germanic people believe

their own independent life paths. It is possible these sometimes contradictory ideals

Some common words found in the essay are:
Saxons Germanic, Possibly Anglo-Saxons, Seafarer Wanderer, Geats/Thanked God, Anglo- Saxons, Fate Imagine, Pope Gregory, outlook life, anglo-saxon belief, fate simply happens, culture outlook life, wanderer proves, ideals pagans, life paths, independent life, independent life paths, anglo- saxons, fate simply, christian ideals, life fate,
Approximate Word count = 915
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)