Anglo-Saxons, was known as the Dark Ages, In the Anglo- Saxon society there people cherished family and values. The Anglo-Saxon aspiration was to have power and honor the actions of a hero. Although there society got introduced to Christianity this did not stop their, beliefs they had about a historic hero and their epic values. The Anglo-Saxons was a blend of Christian like traditions and Paganism. In Beowulf the story consist of both views of both Christianity and Paganism all throughout, the poet shows us how he uses his Christian beliefs to make an allusion of the bible by referring to Grendel as a “ monster born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God”(21) the poet uses Christianity to describe Grendel as the devil in biblical terms.
Although, Christianity was not the only thing Beowulf contains, Beowulf uses paganism, one example of paganism is when the poet is describing how the warrior is “boltered in the blood of enemies”(29). Beowulf has a strong presences when he uses his strength to fight. Although Beowulf is torn between begin a pagan or a Christian, he uses both Paganism and Christianity, not only to battle but to help the people in need of salvation.
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.
The text of Beowulf clearly shows that at some point in time Biblical allusions were added to it, and suggests that someone learned in Christianity helped shape the story. The initial depiction of Grendel regarded the beast as “a fiend out of hell,” and claimed, “…he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts.” References to hell, Cain, and “the Creator”, make it evident that Christian elements were present in the story. More importantly, the reference to “the Creator” shows that monotheistic theory was incorporated into the text. Grendel’s relationship to this “Creator” is further elaborated on, in which case the author refers to the latter as “Eternal Lord”, “Almighty”, and “God.” All four of which are common ways to refer to the individual Christian God, and were capitalized as would have been in the Bible.
In Beowulf it references the Bible while talking about Grendel. It relates him to being in the lineage of Cain which alludes to a Biblical character. It tells the reader, “...he had dwelt for a time in misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts.” (9) This is a reference to a Christian belief that Cain was punished for murdering his brother Abel. It says in Genesis 4:14,”Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Cain’s punishment was to wander and be the anathema of mankind. He was wicked and cruel, just like Grendel is while killed the Danes. Also contained in Beowulf, there is a contrast between the monsters who Beowulf fought and the devil of the Bible, ”All were endangered; young and old were hunted down by that dark death-shadow who lurked and swooped in the long nights on the misty moors; nobody knows where these reavers from hell roam on their errands,” (13). Grendel always came at night and only came to kill men and destroy the safety the Hall was supposed to provide. This is a complete direct allusions to what the Bible says about Satan in John 10:10,” The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” It also creates an illusion that Beowulf is like Christ in the story by coming to save the people from Grendel’s murderous ways. Beowulf is littered with the likenesses between Grendel and Satan leading people to believe that Beowulf is a Christian Poem.
In the story Beowulf, there are a few different religions that are represented by the author. All the religions are portrayed in the story through the author’s eyes and his beliefs. The author makes clear what religion he believes in and his views. Some instances in the story also relate to the conflict between Christianity and the code of warriors. Throughout the story, the author is faced with the challenge of trying to portray his beliefs with a character whose actions are in conflict with his beliefs. Beowulf, in this story is based on the total opposite of the author’s beliefs and there are instances when his behavior is shown, and after there is symbolism of Christianity, to show its conflict with his behavior.
The poem Beowulf is a renowned story that displays many different surroundings and religious beliefs. Some may believe the story of Beowulf portrays pagan beliefs or customs and others believe that the poem is more in agreement with Christian ethnicity. The author of Beowulf uses both Christian and pagan elements in the poem to define the heroic warrior, Beowulf, and the evil dragons. After reading Beowulf the author clearly shows how Beowulf is a man who is filled with Christian customs and is willing to die and defend the world against evil using the help of God.
Although the story of Beowulf is filled with references to religion and faith, many discrepancies occur throughout the story that suggest that Beowulf is not a Christian epic. The character of Beowulf frequently speaks to God and obviously believes in His existence. However, pagan practices are mentioned in several places. Beowulf often refers to another being rather than the Christian God. Pagan practices of cremation and blood-drinking are included in the epic. There are also frequent allusions to the power of fate, the motive of blood revenge, and praise of worldly glory. All of these aspects make Beowulf a pagan tale with a few Christian elements.
The poem and Beowulf both show paganism and Christianity ideals and beliefs. In Beowulf there is fate, humility, fame, loyalty, and so much more that did not even get mentioned. Although the poem appears to be originally a pagan story, there are many clues in the text that point to Christian influence and traditions. In addition to Beowulf and his heroic deeds against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the Dragon the author combines elements of Christian ideal and pagan ideal. The combination of Christian and pagan elements and references now shows Beowulf’s position in English history. These elements, that have been so uniquely combined in the poem, help define who Beowulf is. In conclusion Beowulf is a great poem whether it is a Christian or pagan poem.
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
Even though many Pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian influences override them. An example would be when Beowulf saved the Danes from Grendel. He also expressed a fair attitude towards battles when he refused to use a weapon. The idea of loyalty, a hero, and a giver are all signs of Christianity. Beowulf could be seen as Christ when trying to help the people as Grendel could be compared to Satan who tries to destroy happiness and well-doing.
Beowulf is an epic poem symbolizing and describing the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf embodies the nobility of the Anglo-Saxon culture and beliefs. Beowulf impeccably symbolizes and describes the Anglo-Saxon culture and sets the stage for all poems after it in the area of Britain. Beowulf has many heroic traits such as strength and excellent leadership skills. Beowulf emerges as the Anglo-Saxon warrior who risks his life for the well being of others.The literary devices used throughout this poem are broad which makes the poem known as the “mother poem”. This poem is written by an anonymous author who was a Christian monk that refers to the Bible and many expressions of deep religious faith.The author of Beowulf uses several different types
In the epic poem, Beowulf, there is evidence of Christian and pagan ideas. The idea of fate is discussed often throughout, and the people of that time are described as leaving what happens with the fight between good and evil forces up to the idea of fate. For fear that there is nothing that can be done to change the course of what happens, everything is predestined. However, the poem also has Christian elements as well, and the people of that time often speak of God in relation to the help he gives them as well as his judgement. There has been some discussion as to whether this work can be labeled as a Christian work, or if the Christian elements were put in as an afterthought. While this seems to be a popular belief, when the time period
Throughout literature there have been countless parallels and references to the story of Christ as written in the Bible. Even in such unexpected places as in seemingly pagan poems of ancient Danes and Geats- an epic with dragons and monsters- one still finds similar biblical allusions. In just such an unexpected place, the epic Beowulf, it's title hero and his circumstance, become an allegory for the story of Christ. In this sense, Beowulf can be seen as a Christian story of salvation.
Regarding the relationship between the conflicts and Christianity, during the scenes of Beowulf’s fight with Grendel’s mother. There is a background setting of them fighting in the water in her den filed with other demons. This can be related to the flood story in the biblical texts. The demons swimming around with her can perceived as the fallen souls of corruption during God’s purge of the earth. To support this claim during the scene towards the end of the fight with Grendel’s mother. He finds a sword relic on an ancient ruin that was made by the giants. The Giants which are the makers of the sword were in most cases despised by God. They are related to the mark of Cain. However, they in the presents of pagan virtues, are admired for
The people that were under his reign put him on the deck of a ship and