Pagan Gods In Beowulf

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In physical works of Germanic mythology, the gods showed values of human qualities, and they valued inventiveness. While giants and dwarfs were the lower classes of society, gods being the upper class of the world. Giants and dwarfs were equal, but both very different. Giants are easily tempered, while Dwarfs usually keep to themselves. The dwarfs usually don’t get tempered, unless messed with in some way or not treated equally. It is even believed that four dwarfs and a skull of a giant make up the sky, showing complete equality between the two creatures. This also symbolizes the directions of the world, which is North, South, West, and East (which were the meanings of the four names of the dwarfs). These dwarfs symbolize the directions we …show more content…

They also were believed to be historical people who became blinded by fame, therefore becoming demonized; they showed the common theme of humans which was Greed and Gluttony. But Pagan gods even were looked upon for the seasons. Not all of these seasons are put to one specific god, but to several. In Lughnasadh, there are several gods who represent the harvest, and not all the seasons could be represented to one god; there are specific gods for specific seasons, such as the god Yule, the goddess Ostara (or Eostre), and the god and goddess Beltane. As you might conclude, Yule is somewhat viewed as Santa Claus, but he surely is not. Though he’s represented with a white beard and a chunky face (like Santa Claus), but his beard is filled with leaves, berries, and pine cones. Yule is the face of winter and the holidays. While Ostara (or Eostre) is the face of what we view as Easter, and in many pictures, she is represented as a bunny or even goddess of the bunnies. She represents the beginning of spring, while Beltane represents the end part of spring. Beltane is usually celebrated with the Union between a man and a woman. The myths of Beltane state that the young God has grown into manhood, and the Goddess takes him on as her husband; this season being celebrated as young love and fertility of nature. All of the seasons are celebrated for their distinctiveness and symbolism, which is held as …show more content…

There are not much sources left, and most sources may not even be considered true Germanic mythology. But, one thing very clear about Germanic mythology is its influence. Paganism and Wicca are very closely tied, and you can see this in the structure of Germanic mythology. You can see it in little things such as dwarfs and the way they are able to cast spells effortlessly. These little creatures can craft things effortlessly; magic used without a second thought which is something very unique about Germanic mythology. Some myths do not get the pleasure of having spells and other magical abilities. Germanic mythology most likely is viewed as dreams based on its magical influence, and its background. For example, how was the sky made of four dwarfs and a skull of a giant? It’s impossible, and that’s why it’s a myth. But why did they share the sky? The role of both the dwarfs and the giant was to symbolize the directions, but also to symbolize giant and dwarf equality and equality in general. The mystery that Germanic mythology gives you is most likely for a reason. It could be based on how the afterlife was a mystery in their religion, or their myths were people’s actual dreams and fantasies. We honestly will never known exactly why these stories are told the way they are told; we also will never know exactly who told them. We will never be sure if Germanic mythology is truly Germanic, because most of it is infused and shared with

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