Beowulf Is A Pagan Work

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The poem Beowulf was written in England sometime in the 8th century. It was written during a time when the society was in the process of being converted from paganism to Christianity. The Christian influences are combined with early folklore and heroic legends of Germanic tribes. Yet, the pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf clearly overshadow the Christian elements, and it is visible in the character’s superhuman personifications, their hunger for revenge, and their strong belief in fate.

The main character, Beowulf, is depicted as a superhero in many of his extraordinary battles. During the battle with Grendel's mother, when Beowulf realizes that Unferth's sword is useless against the monster’s thick skin, he grabs “…the best of all weapons / But so massive that no ordinary man could lift / Its carved and decorated length”(1558-1561). This shows the significance of Beowulf’s strength, because if it were any other man, they would not be able to lift this sword and kill Grendel’s mother. His strength is far superior to any other human, and therefore Beowulf fits th...

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