Beowulf: What It Means To Be A Pagan Warrior

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Beowulf was written when the Anglo-Saxons of Britian were converting to Christianity, yet their society was struggling to establish their identity within this new belief system. This Old English epic depicts the heroic exploits of the Anglo-Saxon warrior, Beowulf. Beowulf is hero that stands for strength, decency, righteousness and bravery. He is not just fighting a physical fight but a personal battle between Paganism and Christianity. Throughout the poem, various characters display their faith and love in God, but in dark times they quickly turn to their Pagan heathen gods. “Fate saves the living when they drive away death by themselves” (572). Before Beowulf’s battle with Grendel Beowulf states, “Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgement by God” (440). From both of these statements we can clearly see that Christians place their safety and life …show more content…
He depends on his physical attributes such as his mighty strength and prowess, which were some of the many wondrous gifts that God showered him with. Beowulf does acknowledge the divine influence of God even in the face of adversity. He admits that he could have never defeated Grendel’s mother without the aid of the Lord. The common perception held by many characters in this poem has is that God’s divine will is the direct result of their actions. Hrothgar states, “First and foremost let the Almighty Father be thanked for this sight. The Heavenly Shepard can work His wonders always and everywhere” (930). Other Christian elements that are included is how Beowulf is personified as Jesus in many instants. When Beowulf was preparing to fight the dragon he was accompanied by 12 men, like Jesus who was accompanied with 12 apostles. All of whom abandoned him in his struggle for his life except Wiglaf. Unlike Beowulf, Jesus did not need fame, money or glory from his exploits as a savior of
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