religious literature in Beowulf

A detailed Summary of religious literature in Beowulf


Religion and literature have been closely related to each other as far back as one of the oldest existing poems in the English language, Beowulf. This epic poem certainly comes from a Christianized culture, yet never names either the pagan gods or Jesus. The Beowulf poet has an absolute knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures in the Bible. The poem contains ideas pertaining to both pagan and Christian beliefs, however, emphasizing more of the Christian elements.

There are many pagan influences in this poem. Beowulf is the "ideal hero" and has reference to many of the typical ideas of the Nordic-Germany society. The monster in this story also has pagan characteristics. Grendel has roots in Scandinavian folklore. In Old Norse literature, monsters like this make their appearance as draugar, animated corpses. He is said to be an evil being.


There is much emphasis on the Christian elements in Beowulf. There is reference to God very early in the introduction of the poem. "And Scyld passed on to the peace of God (L. 13)." Scyld is the legendary founder of the Danish royal line. Beowulf is given many characteristics of believing in God himself. He continually gives thanks to God throughout the entire story as well as believing that what is meant to happen will happen. He says, "Thanks be to God for this glorious sight (L. 676)," and, " By favor of God we won the fight (L. 698)," when he is referring to his victory over Grendel. Beowulf's strength seems to be a gift from God. It is through His divine power that he overcomes God's foe, Grendel, who is said to have a biblical ancestry. "He bore the curse of the seed of Cain...God banished him far from the fields of men (L. 65-69)." This compares him to Cain,

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jesus Beowulf, Savior Beowulf, Grendel Beowulf's, Beowulf Religion, Thanks God, epic poem, christian elements, contains ideas pertaining, pagan christian beliefs, emphasizing christian elements, pertaining pagan christian, ideas pertaining pagan, poem contains, ideas pertaining, contains ideas, pertaining pagan, christian beliefs, pagan christian, beliefs emphasizing, emphasizing christian,

Approximate Word count = 593
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • NoneProvided Religious Literature in Beowulf Religion and literature have been closely related to each other as far back as one of the oldest existing poems in the English ... 593 words
  • Violence in literature ... Later in his life, Beowulf wonders if that day in the sea cost these people ... In Middle English literature, violence was used to provoke religious sentiments ... 542 words
  • Combination of religious and s ... oneamp39s earthly knight values and also holding to religious values is ... The Norton Anthology of English Literature. ... Beowulf Otis, B. William / Needleman H., Morriss ... 1995 words
  • AngloSaxon Literature ... was one of the biggest cultural values expressed in AngloSaxon Literature. ... Many examples of this religious conflict can be found in both Beowulf and The ... 809 words
  • Beowulf ... to add depth to the characters are the wealth, honor, religious, man, and ... Overall, I believe Beowulf is the most honorable warrior in literature for a ... 1211 words

Professional Essays

  • Christianity in the Early Literature of England ... the later the date of composition of the literature. ... ampquotBeowulf,ampquot which was composed closer to the time when Old ... Thus, despite the stated religious purpose of a ... 1973 words
  • Chaucher ampamp Beowulf ... share the similar characteristic of having religious themes as ... WORKS CITED Beowulf. In Abrams, MH Gen. Ed.The Norton Anthology of English Literature. ... 1017 words
  • Medieval Societies ... that would impact the nature of heroism, the roles of women, and the ethical and religious outlook of ... Burrow, JA Essays On Medieval Literature. ... Beowulf. ... 2116 words
  • Medieval Societies ... that would impact the nature of heroism, the roles of women, and the ethical and religious outlook of ... Burrow, JA Essays On Medieval Literature. ... Beowulf. ... 2116 words
  • The Soul ... human affairs, though he was himself devout and religious. ... time, they could not comprehend Beowulf, the most ... it would become an influence on modern literature. ... 1676 words
  • Chretien de Troyes ampamp Western Literature ... of the Dark Ages c. AD 500 1000 in Beowulf, or in the ... was fully as influential in medieval and subsequent literature as Le ... He himself was deeply religious. ... 4886 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.