Beowulf is a Christ-Like Figure
In the story Beowulf, the main character, Beowulf, is portrayed as a Christ-like figure. Though only a careful reader may pick up on it, we know that Beowulf is Christ-like through his actions, his personality, and some symbolism. Also, what the other characters in the story and the narrator say about him indicates that he is Christ-like. Beowulf experiences some of the same or similar things that Christ experienced too. With a close interpretation and a deep analysis of the story, there is more than enough evidence to prove that Beowulf is Christ-like. To start off, the very first line in the story that deals with Beowulf is, "Of living strong men he was the strongest..." (p. 9) and it then goes on to tell of Beowulf's noble characteristics. This puts him above the rest of mankind but still much lower than God. Jesus Christ, a mortal as well as Beowulf, seemed to be the same in rank. Throughout the story the narrator and other characters tell of Beowulf's Christ-like characteristics. For example, Hrothgar, king of the Danes, said, "God, in His mercy, has sent him (Beowulf) to save us...from Grendel's assaults"(p. 13). God sent his son Jesus Christ, the savior, to save all of us from sin. This quote from Hro
thgar is quite possibly the most convincing element in the entire story telling us that Beowulf is Christ-like. Another example is that the narrator refers to Beowulf as "The shelter of kinsmen..." (p.33), and this tells us that Beowulf was there protector just as Christ was. These examples from the story help us understand Beowulf's characteristics through the eyes of other characters and the narrator. Finally, Beowulf goes through a lot of things throughout the story that can be related to things that Christ experienced. However, the one that stands out the most is the betrayal. Beowulf is betrayed by his companions in his quest to kill the dragon. They are scared for their lives, just as the apostles were when asked if they knew the Son of God, and betrayed Beowulf. Another interesting thing that dealt with the betrayal is that Jesus said that they would betray him before it happened. Beowulf does not say that his men will betray him but he does say, "Not yours the adventure, nor the mission of any, save mine alone..." (p.33) referring to the quest to kill the dragon. This does not tell the reader that his companions will betray him, but rather foreshadows the outcome of the betrayal just as Christ did. Lastly, each Beowulf and Christ had a tough job to do, or a cross to carry. Jesus's was to carry a cross while getting beat and spat on, and to die hanging on a cross for his people. Beowulf's duty was to die fighting evil to save his people. Both were successful. There is no question if Beowulf was Christ-like or not. He most definitely was and the
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Approximate Word count = 1064
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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