The Christian religion came to the English Isles as early as 314 A.D. and greatly influenced the literature there. The poet was believed to be a monk and a scop (bard) because of the prevalence of Christian allusions. One such allusion is from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. It is the story of how Cain "slew Abel." It explains how Grendel is descended from Cain,

The Anglo-Saxon civilization believed that fate determined life. They also believed in the human will; that courage allowed individuals to control their responses to fate. Fate (wyrd) is sometimes used as a substitute for "the will of God." They admired courage, loyalty, courtesy, generosity, and perseverance. In the poem, Beowulf says, "Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good."

There is a distinct relationship between a lord (king) and his thanes. They received courtesy; protection, respect, and tribute, but they were expected to be generous to their thanes; protecting and housing them in turn. Their relationship is one of mutual trust and respect. Hrothgar is described as a "dispenser of treasure" and "ring giver", and Beowulf is portrayed as a "protector of warriors." The relationship between kin and friends also is of great importance to the

Some common words found in the essay are:
Christianity God's, Grendel Grendel, Hrothgar Hrothgar, English Isles, English Anglo-Saxon, AD English, Bible Genesis, Ruler God, Culture Beowulf, Beowulf Fate, grendel's mother, anglo-saxon society, reflects christian, relationship kin,
Approximate Word count = 585
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)