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,

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