Beowulf, Christianity, and Paganism Essay - 963 Words

Beowulf, Christianity, and Paganism 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. Beowulf’s courage and faith can be seen throughout the entire poem. The author shows what the other characters thought of†¦show more content†¦This quote clearly shows the reference back to the Bible. It explains how the author uses Grendel as one of the offspring’s of Cain whom killed his brother Abel. Beowulf was the one warrior who was able to stop Grendel. Beowulf travels to Grendel’s lair in the marsh with some of his finest soldiers. When Beowulf and his men met Grendel the weapons of Beowulf’s army became dull from a spell. The weapons could not scratch the skin of Grendel. Beowulf used the faith from God to defeat Grendel without the use of weapons. Beowulf was able to hold onto Grendel’s arms until they were ripped off. Beowulf put his life at risk by using his courage and faith to overcome Grendel. Another evil that Beowulf was able to concur using the help of God was Grendel’s Mother. Grendel’s Mother was furious about the death of her only son and came into Hrothgar’s kingdom. While in the kingdom she captured one of Hrothgar’s men and devoured him. Before Grendel’s mother flees she takes the arm of her son which is hanging in the hall as a trophy. Beowulf then takes his men along with Hrothgar’s to the cave in which Grendel’s mother lives. The author shows Beowulf’s courage in lines 607-611, â€Å"I’ve never known fear, as a youth I foughtShow MoreRelatedChristianity And Paganism In Beowulf1005 Words   |  5 Pageshero named Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic poem about good versus evil written by an anonymous Christian monk. Paganism was the Geats first religion, and once Christianity became introduced, the religion slowly shifted from paganism to Christianity. Beowulf has successfully exhibited the transition from paganism to Christianity. The epic poem has a shift from Christianity to paganism throughout the poem. 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This is why Beowulf reflects both Christian and pagan views. These two religions and their elements affect the story in different ways. There are pagan views of fate and fame in Beowulf, but there are