Beowulf as a Christlike Figure

A detailed Summary of Beowulf as a Christlike Figure

The epic poem, Beowulf, recounts the tale of a man named Beowulf who sacrifices his

own safety to save the Danes from two evil dragons. Then, years later, Beowulf risks his life yet

again to save his own people from a dragon. Throughout the story, Beowulf is presented as a

Christ-like figure. This is manifested in the events that take place, the way that Beowulf speaks

about himself, and the way the people treat him.

The first way Beowulf's likeness to Christ is revealed, is through the events that take

place. After Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will fight Grendel, there is a celebration. During the celebration, Welthow, the queen "raised a flowing cup" (615) and poured "a portion from the jeweled cup/ For each" (621-622). When she got to Beowulf, she "thanked God for answering her prayers" (625). This event is strikingly similar to the Last Supper when Jesus passed around a cup

What Beowulf says also shows his similarity to Christ. Beowulf says "I already knew

One other way Beowulf is linked to Christ is through the way the people act towards him

that terror" (382-384). Therefore, Beowulf was like a savior to Hrothgar. Years later, Beowulf was faced with a dragon living in his own kingdom. However, Wiglaf says "Too few of his warriors rememered/ To come, when our lord faced death, alone" (2882-2883). None of Beowulf's followers defended him just as none of Jesus' followers defended him when he faced death. Lastly, after Beowulf dies, "twelve of the bravest Geatts/ Rode their horses around the tower," (3170), mourning Beowulf, "Crying that no better king had ever/ Lived, no prince so mild, no man/ So open to his people, so deserving of praise." (3180-3182). Just as these twelve men did, the apostles preached about Jesus after his death. Therefore, the people's actions and opinons of Beowulf are very sim

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Approximate Word count = 639
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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