For years, religion has played a role in the lives of many, after all, there are hundreds of religions being practiced around the world. From the celebrations of special birthdays by the Jewish or Hispanic cultures or the celebration of holidays by Christians and many other religions. There is a great amount of differences when it comes to religion, whether it be beliefs or religious traditions, but contemporary society has become more aware the impact that religion can have on numerous different things. Additionally, religion has been a vast role when it comes to literature. In countless stories, readers will find the topic of religion being influential aspect. For example, in Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales there were influences from the …show more content…
Beowulf, often acknowledges God as his protector and as a guide. As he sets out on his journey he uses his faith in God to get through the difficult decisions and situations that he is faced with. When presented with things like weapons or other aspects which help him along the way he gives the credit to God for creating these things. Along with this there is the idea that everything great comes from God, whether it be success or great fortune. Multiple times throughout the story, Hrothgar explains to Beowulf how life is a gift from God and that he must be thankful to him for what he has given …show more content…
Christianity is known as the most prominent religion found in this story. Most of the influence was through religious corruption. One story in particular is the “Miller's Tale”, religion is used throughout this story for the characters to get what they want. Nicholas uses the story of Noah’s Ark and the flood to get away with his fooling around with Alisoun. Some other examples are the Friar is focusing on money instead taking care of his monastery, the Prioress tries to be the court lady instead of trying to help her nunnery, and many more. It is also obvious in the story that all these characters who are on this pilgrimage are mainly Christian. For instance, in the prologue there are many links to the church found with characters such as, the Prioress, Monk, Friar, Clerk, Parson, and a few others. Along with these characters many of the other are said to lead mostly Christian lives with a couple exceptions to the Christian
In Beowulf the Christian influence is revealed through approximately 70 passages in which the form of expression or the thought suggests Christian usage or doctrine (Blackburn 3); The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki is in its own way infused with Christian values even though it preserves remnants of the cult of Odin.
Beowulf is steeped in a pagan tradition that depicts nature as hostile and forces of death as uncontrollable. Blind fate picks random victims; man is never reconciled with the world. Beowulf ends a failure. There is some truth in this conclusion, but for the most part, someone who didn’t have a well-lived life has most likely portrayed it.
He is helped along in all of his battles by God. Beowulf states that this is the only supernatural aid that he needs. Therefore, God provides for him when Beowulf needs aid the most. An example of Beowulf's supernatural aid is when he is fighting Grendel's mother. He travels far away into the depths of a forbidden lake in search for her. When he finds her Beowulf attempts to cut at the flesh of the beast with Hrunting, but the blade is unable to pierce her skin. He then attempts to take on the beast just like he took on her son, with his bare hands. Unfortunately, this did not seem to work either as she matched him blow for blow. When all hope seemed lost Beowulf catches a glimpse of a mighty sword hanging on the cave wall. He takes the weapon and proceeds to decapitate the beast head. Beowulf makes claims that he would not be back in Hrothgar's presence if it had not been for God and his guidance. As he retails the legendary tale, he states “I’d have been dead at once,/ And the fight finished, the she-devil victorious, / If our Father in Heaven had not helped me.”(II. 1656-1658). Beowulf also states, “ Unferth's noble weapon, could do nothing, / Gives guidance to those who can find it from no one / Else. (II. 1659-1664). Beowulf seemingly is a indestructable human; he possess all of the qualities that a hero is made up
Beowulf, an epic poem, written by unknown and translated by Seamus Heaney, is an artifact of the Anglo-Saxon era because it is a piece of literature that was documented once. During the time it was written, writing was not common. The poem reveals a lot of the Anglo-Saxon practices and beliefs, but it also is compared to Christianity because was written down by a christian monk.
When Beowulf refers back to the battle with Grendel’s mother he states that “the fight would have ended straight away if god had not guarded me” (Orla Murphy, 2008). This shows that he feels more secure if god was to help him on and was by his side. God is playing a big role in this, its testing whether god is real or not and if he is able to depend on him in a time of need. Beowulf puts his faith in a a lot of people that he is unsure of if he should because of who he is
Once Grendel and his mother are killed, the king showers Beowulf in gifts. Beowulf shows humility and accepts the gifts, and quietly returns to his home. He does not want to bask in his glory. "So they went on their journey, and Hrothgar 's generosity was praised repeatedly"(Beowulf 1885-86). This quote symbolizes the relationship between the King of Danes and Beowulf, because he is constantly thanking him for the gifts. It is not just seen as a business deal where Beowulf has come to provide a service, and collect his reward. There is much more to his actions, he genuinely provides services to the king for the greater good. He is humble in nature, where he is not looking for attention. He does not gloat that he is truly the best warrior he sort of just thanks the king. The king of Danes states to Beowulf "In all things you are even tempered, prudent, and resolute"(Beowulf 17056). It is already known that he is a great warrior, so there is no need for him to overly express
Christianity theme is portrayed throughout the epic of Beowulf. Beowulf was written during the late 700 AD to 1000 AD, during this time the Anglo Saxons had become Christianized. Christian themes and symbolisms are seen throughout the epic of Beowulf, having both Christian and Pagan influence. Beowulf is described as a strong hero, he is strong, courageous, and brave. Beowulf does not back down from a battle, he is signified as a hero because he is willing to risk his life to defeat any monster. In this epic, Beowulf can be described as a “Christian Knight,” as Jesus was in the Bible. In the account of Matthew 20:28, “Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
The Anglo-Saxons living in the time of Beowulf did not believe in the afterlife. To them, the only way to experience life after death was to live on in the memories of others. One could fulfill this goal by being known for one’s generosity, courage, and strength. Beowulf, the protagonist of this epic poem, embodied all of these virtues and lives on in memory because of this.
Beowulf essay Beowulf, the first epic poem recorded in the English language, is believed to have been told by word of mouth for centuries before finally being written down around 1000 A.D, and the poem is believed to have taken place in modern day Sweden and Denmark. The epic poem Beowulf was originally told and recorded for the same reason all epic poems were born, to display the strength and dominance of a culture, and Beowulf was the Anglo-Saxon’s method of showing their superiority. The epic poem birthed several movies based off of the hero Beowulf. One of those movies is Beowulf and Grendel. Despite Hollywood having access to the epic poem, Beowulf, they still managed to leave out several very important things from the poem in Beowulf and Grendel.
Beowulf was written around 700 A.D. by an unknown author. While it is a part of English Literature, it does not take place in England. Instead, it tells the reader events that happened in Sweden and on the Danish island of Zealand. The pagan and Christian references suggest that the poem is most likely written about the time that the Anglo-Saxon society was converting from paganism to Christianity. Monasteries provided a place for learning and they also saved some of the manuscripts, such as the story Beowulf. Christianity does eventually replace pagan religion as far as Anglo-Saxons are concerned. Although the unknown author of Beowulf develops the main protagonist to represent both paganism and Christianity, the ideals conflict create a unique epic poem.
There are many books and works that presents the influence of these two big religions on the culture. Let us focus on three examples of Old English Literature works in which this influence is the most visible for a reader.
Beowulf’s courage and faith can be seen throughout the entire poem. The author shows what the other characters thought of Beowulf in lines 114-119, “None of the wise ones regretting his going, much As he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good, And they urged the adventure on”. Beowulf can be represented or resembled as a biblical hero such as David or Samson. Beowulf overcame many difficult problems that others would not even contemplate to take on. Beowulf the Geat took on Grendel and Grendel’s Mother. He also came to fellow warrior Hrothgar’s aid and even risked his own life for the sake of his warriors.
In the tale of Beowulf, he acknowledged his strong faith in God, regardless of the situation. The tale describes, repeatedly, how God is in every situation that the characters have embarked on, which is described in this statement, " the Heavenly Shepard can work HIS wonders always and everywhere" (pp.51, 929). The author indistinctly explains by saying, "The Almighty Judge of good deeds and bad."(pp.36, ln.180) Even when they were faced with the evil's of Grendel and the monsters, whom in this story was considered to be Satan, which is explained as, "Cain's clan , whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts" (pp.35, ln.106). Regardless of the situation, God was acknowledged as a miracle worker, a judge, or even just to praise him for the punish of the evil doers, and rewarding and protecting those that try to help others.
In the Middle Ages, Christianity dominated the lives of the nobility and peasants. The Church became prosperous and very influential. King Alfred made a substantial contribution to Old English language and culture by overseeing the transcription of the only oral form of the epic poem Beowulf. Beowulf is a nobleman that lived in a pagan world that Christianity had not yet dominated. The Scandinavian society composed of three parts: warriors, clerical, and farming classes. Within the poem of Beowulf, the primary focus is the warrior class. The man Beowulf would have been of Norse religion while the poem deviates towards the Christian God. In The Canterbury Tales, the author is Geoffrey Chaucer, and he is the considered the father of English literature. Although the poem does not give the impression of being political, during the period, there was political and religious instability. The corruption of the Catholic Church was so abundant that it eventually leads to the Protestant Reformation. Chaucer primary focus is the middle class. An extremely relevant aspect in both poems forced integration of religion.
Beowulf has multiple references to God and how God chooses what happens in his life. For example on the very first page of the story (Beowulf, 27) we see that God saw the need for a king so he sent a king to the Danes. This shows us that God is able to see his people and in a fair and just way he sends them a much needed king. Later on, we see how God punishes those who go against his will. On page 29 we read that Grendel is from Cain.