Christian Beliefs In Beowulf

Words: 568

Pages: 3

Open Document

Poetry, Pagans, and Prayers
The Old English poem, Beowulf, was composed between 700 and 1000 A.D. Long before the Germanic epic was actually recorded, the story of Beowulf was shared between members of the pagan- warrior society. The poem exposes the pagan’s strong cultural belief in fate while also incorporating a clear Christian overtone. The representation of Christian philosophy combined with the main character’s acknowledged heroic pride, provides a contrast, which ultimately reinforces Christian values. Beowulf contains subtle biblical metaphors and identifiably Christian elements, which function in the work to essentially identify Beowulf’s faulty traits (pride, selfishness…) and effectively reflect the time period’s religious transition. …show more content…
While he initially appears as a potential savior, sailing from across the sea to aid the individuals of Heorot, the warrior proves not to be the “paragon of kingly virtue” (Goldsmith 1) he’s depicted as. Instead, the main character’s actions are done without humble intentions and his motivations prove to be more for self- satisfactory than anything else. Although Beowulf frequently acknowledges God as his fundamental protector, he holds an idea that his protection must be earned. This position draws to the pagan audience by allowing their opinions on Beowulf’s faith to wonder freely between happenings or by the will of God. Beowulf specifically recognizes God’s protection following his battle with Grendel’s mom when he states that, “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me" (1432). However, the warrior still suggests through his gratitude that this protection was received only after proving his courage and strength. Goldsmith recognizes the poems “half- heartedly Christian” (1) components as a technique used by the poet to emphasize the time period’s transition (progressing from secular attitudes towards absolute religious

Religion In Beowulf

Throughout early English literature, a steady development of religion has played an important part in the function of a changing society. During the time that Beowulf was written, Britain’s belief structure underwent a significant change with Christianity and Paganism coexisting throughout Europe. Originally led by the Celtic faith, society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. The evolution of religion during this era is quite obvious, as religious philosophies interacted…

Words 1181 - Pages 5

Beowulf: Heaven and Beowulf Essay examples

Beowulf Throughout Beowulf the Christian and heroic values are seen next to each other. At times the two values are at odds with one another at then there are times when they work harmoniously. In lines 3058-3109 the two views are seen side by side as the writer and Wiglaf say their final thoughts of Beowulf. There is a distinct difference in the two voices and their beliefs but there is also an overlap of the two views in each of the speakers. The first view that readers get is the Christian…

Words 527 - Pages 3

What Is Paganism In Beowulf

Beowulf symbolizes Jesus Christ Pagan ideals and Christian ideals collide throughout the entirety of Beowulf. Pagan beliefs in Beowulf are depicted through the belief of wyrd. Wyrd was considered an inescapable and destined path through life. It is later mentioned when Beowulf fights the dragon, which leads to his own demise due to his fate, or his wyrd. The Pagan idea of fate, revenge, and demons are not the only Christianity may have adopted several ideas from Paganism, so it is evident that there…

Words 1107 - Pages 5

Beowulf: What It Means To Be A Pagan Warrior

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…

Words 867 - Pages 4

Paganism In Beowulf Essay

Paganism in Beowulf Beowulf is one of the oldest of the long epics written in English, and it is revered as one of the most important pieces of literature written in Old English. The poem is an epic tale of heroism that has many religious themes spread throughout. It is believed to be composed as an oral tradition during the first half of the eighth century, and transcribed in the eleventh century. Because it began as an oral tradition, the author is anonymous. The epic poem, Beowulf, has a complicated…

Words 572 - Pages 3

Religion In Beowulf Essay

poem, Beowulf, two religions were competing for popularity. When Paganism was thriving, Beowulf was being told orally. Therefore, when the poem was put onto paper, Paganism was rapidly beginning to be converted into Christian values. The pagan elements of the story are threaded through the writing because that is how the story was told. The Christian elements are more obviously added to the end and stuck into random places in the text. Due to the changing of religion, paganist values in Beowulf started…

Words 563 - Pages 3

Examples Of Paganism In Beowulf

Throughout the entirety of the elegiac epic, Beowulf, both pagan and Christian images exist. This is largely due to the fact a Christian monk transcribed the pagan folklore story into Middle English around 1000 AD. The epic of Beowulf has been toyed with and transcribed many times since its beginning, hence the dichotomies in imagery throughout the entirety of the epic. Part II and III of Beowulf consist of conflict of man versus monster; however the monster ultimately represents evil according…

Words 982 - Pages 4

From Paganism To Christianity In Beowulf

Beowulf was written when the society was converting from Paganism to Christianity. In this epic poem, these two religions come through the actions of the different characters, so the author promotes the Christian and pagan religions by preaching and writing about both. Christianity, and the reference to the Christian God influences the story of Beowulf in many ways. For instance, the author describes Grendel as a very inhuman and monstrous character because he is a biblical allusion of evil. This…

Words 429 - Pages 2

Beowulf: Christianity and Beowulf Essay

It is common opinion that Beowulf was written by a Christian poet. This was probably true because at the time when it was written, most of the few people who knew how to read and write were in the clergy. There are various references within the poem to elements of the Christian religion. However, the story is about Pagan people and certain aspects of their culture are even glorified. The ambiguity of Beowulf’s religious content has caused confusion as to what significance religion had in inspiring…

Words 1482 - Pages 6

The Cid And Beowulf Comparison Essay

El Cid and Beowulf: Comparing the Heroes and the Epics What allows a story to live on through history? Perhaps the rarity and age of the texts inspire certain feelings of awe and desire for preservation. However, putting aside historical importance, the epic poems of Beowulf and The Song of the Cid have become so highly regarded in their countries of origin in large part due to the heroes that the poems immortalize. Both Rodrigo Diaz and Beowulf personify the ideals of bravery, honor, and goodness…

Words 1767 - Pages 8