Beowulf is an epic poem that tells the story of a heroic warrior who defeats monsters and goes on great adventures. Though Beowulf is full of pagan elements, there are also Christian themes and messages throughout the poem.
One example of paganism in Beowulf is the fact that Beowulf himself is a pagan hero. He worships traditional Norse gods like Odin and Thor, and he even makes sacrifices to them. However, Beowulf also shows respect for Christian beliefs. He prays to God for help before his battle with Grendel, and he thanks God for giving him the strength to defeat the monster.
Christianity and paganism are both present in Beowulf, but they are not always in conflict with one another. Beowulf is a hero who is both pagan and Christian, and he shows that the two can coexist peacefully.
Paganism is the indigenous religion of Scandinavia and Beowulf is set in Scandinavia. Beowulf was written down by a Christian Monk in England however the poem itself is set in Pagan times.
Christianity is based on love, faith, hope, trust, and belief. The characters in Beowulf show little to no religious affiliation towards Christianity. There are three major battles that take place in Beowulf; two against monsters and one against another tribe. In each battle there are different aspects that lead to either Paganism or Christianity.
The first example takes place when Beowulf fights Grendel’s mother. Beowulf dives into her lair unarmed and unafraid which goes against the Pagan belief of protecting oneself with armor and weapons. Beowulf’s lack of fear could be seen as a sign of his faith. Beowulf also tears off one of her arms and uses it as a weapon which is an example of his physical strength.
Grendel’s mother tries to protect herself and her son by hiding in a cave, however Beowulf follows her. When Beowulf finds her he kills her with a sword that was forged for him by the blacksmith Weland. This scene leads to Paganism because Beowulf used physical strength and weaponry to defeat his opponent.
The second example takes place when Beowulf fights the dragon. In this scene Beowulf shows his bravery by being the only one to fight the dragon. Beowulf again lacks fear, which could be seen as a sign of his faith. Beowulf also shows physical strength when he tears the dragons wing.
Beowulf’s lack of fear and physical strength are both examples of Paganism. Beowulf also shows his wisdom in this scene by using a sword that was forged for him by Weland. The sword melts when Beowulf uses it against the dragon, which is an example of Christianity because Beowulf’s faith is stronger than the sword.
The third and final example takes place when Beowulf fights Hygelac. In this scene Beowulf shows his bravery by being the only one to fight Hygelac. Beowulf again lacks fear, which could be seen as a sign of his faith. Beowulf also shows physical strength when he tears off one of Hygelac’s arms.
Beowulf’s lack of fear and physical strength are both examples of Paganism. Beowulf also shows his wisdom in this scene by using a sword that was forged for him by Weland. The sword melts when Beowulf uses it against Hygelac, which is an example of Christianity because Beowulf’s faith is stronger than the sword.
Beowulf is regarded as a hero in Beowulf. The Danes need Beowulf’s help in battling Grendel. In his battle with Grendel, Beowulfthe Viking Legend rather than employing weapons; instead, he relies on his superhuman strength. During the fight,Beowulf’s strength takes over, and he wrestles with Grendel until he is able to rip one of the monster’s arms out of its socket. Superhuman feats are also seen during the struggle with Grendel’s mother. Without using oxygen, Beowulf swims downward for a whole day before seeing the bottom when he enters the water.
Beowulf also has the strength to rip Grendel’s mother in two. Beowulf is also able to fight and defeat a dragon, which none of the other characters are able to do. Beowulf’s superhuman strength is not the only characteristic that sets him apart from other people; he also has courage that no one else possesses. Beowulf puts his own life at risk to save others on multiple occasions throughout the story.
Beowulf goes into the water, knowing that he may never come out, in order to save his people from Grendel’s mother. Beowulf also fights the dragon, again putting his life at stake, in order to save his people. Beowulf’s courage is an important characteristic because it is what allows him to perform his heroic deeds.
Beowulf’s heroic deeds are important, not only because of what he does, but also because of how his actions reflect the values of the time period. Beowulf’s heroic deeds reflect the values of Christianity. Beowulf puts others before himself and fights evil in order to save good people. Beowulf’s selflessness is a Christian value. Beowulf also has faith that he will be victorious in his battles.
This faith is another Christian value that Beowulf embodies. Beowulf’s faith allows him to take risks, knowing that he will be successful. Beowulf’s heroic deeds also reflect the values of paganism. Beowulf is motivated by fame and glory. Beowulf wants people to sing songs about his heroic deeds. Beowulf’s motivation for his heroism is a pagan value. Beowulf’s heroic deeds reflect the values of both Christianity and paganism.
While Beowulf’s heroic deeds reflect the values of both Christianity and paganism, Beowulf himself is a Christian. Beowulf’s Christianity is evident in his speech when he talks about God. Beowulf thanks God for his victory over Grendel. Beowulf also talks about how he will give all the glory to God. Beowulf’s Christianity is also evident in his funeral. Beowulf asks to be buried according to Christian tradition. Beowulf’s Christianity is evident in his words and actions. Beowulf is a Christian hero.
Beowulf is a hero who embodies the values of both Christianity and paganism. Beowulf’s heroic deeds reflect the values of Christianity and paganism. Beowulf is a Christian hero.
Beowulf understands that Unferth’s sword is useless against the monsters thick skin during the fight with Grendel’s mother. He snatches an enormous greatsword forged by giants, which is almost too heavy to lift, and cuts through the monster’s body. This superhero strength extends into the dragon battle. By this time, Beowulf is an ancient man.
He decides he must avenge his people and confront the dragon after witnessing their suffering at Grendel’s hands. Despite being gravely wounded himself, Beowulf still manages to deliver the final blow that kills the dragon. A superhuman beast akin to Grendel appears as well .
He is described as having “Grendel’s body was so huge / that it could easily have fit / into a twenty-foot ship / with room to spare” (Beowulf ll.105-108). Beowulf has to resort to using strength and weaponry that are not of this world in order to defeat these monsters.
The supernatural elements in Beowulf are not just limited to the creatures. Beowulf’s strength and abilities are also superhuman. After Beowulf defeats Grendel, he returns to Hrothgar’s banquet hall and tells the story of his battle. In doing so, he mentions that “the Lord / in his mercy had given me strength / to save my own life” (Beowulf ll.693-695). Beowulf does not attribute his success in defeating Grendel to his own skill or strength, but instead gives credit to God.
Beowulf is also able to see into the future and knows when he will die. After Beowulf defeats the dragon, he is mortally wounded and knows that his time has come. He makes peace with his impending death and says, “Fate goes ever as it must” (Beowulf ll.3182-3183). Beowulf accepts his fate because he knows that it is God’s will.
The monsters in Beowulf are pagans, while Beowulf and the people he protects are Christians. Grendel is a descendant of Cain, who was the first murderer. Grendel is evil because he represents the sin of murder. Beowulf is good because he represents Christianity. Christianity is based on the principle of love, while paganism is based on the principle of violence. Beowulf defeats the monsters because Christianity is stronger than paganism.