Examples Of Paganism In Beowulf
The poem titled Beowulf was composed sometime between the seventh and tenth century in a language that is known as Anglo-Saxon. It incorporates many pagan themes and concepts, yet it also contains many references to Christianity. Although paganism and Christianity can be seen as unalike, the two aspects are brought together by the poet in order to show the need for grouping. The pagan themes, such as fate or the common goal of fame and heroism, raise questions in the religious community that could be misleading or misinterpreted without the Christian insight provided in the text. As a result, it is clear that this combination of pagan concepts and Christianity shown in Beowulf is for a Christian audience. In order to enhance the value of the
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For example, when explaining Hygelac’s death, the author states “fate swept him away because of his proud need to provoke a feud with the Frisians” (p. 85). The use of fate in this context refers to bad fortune due to Hygelac’s desire to stir up a confrontation with the Frisians. At an earlier point in the story, Beowulf tells Hrothgar, “no need to lament for long or lay out my body: if the battle takes me…Fate goes ever as fate must!” (p. 31). Here Beowulf leaves the decision to fate, which is a concept of paganism, but there is no mention of fate being controlled by God. This is in direct conflict with Christianity and the author is does associate fate with Christianity in other portions of the text. For example, when Beowulf is declaring his formal boast to kill Grendel, he states, “And may the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side He sees fit” (p.47). This example shows Beowulf’s demonstration of his Christian beliefs and acknowledgement that it is ultimately up to God who will win the fight. After the fight with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf makes another declaration of fate when he states “it was hard-fought, a desperate affair that could have gone badly; if God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal” (p.115). Beowulf surrenders himself to God and is fully aware that his fate was left to God’s will. Beowulf once again shows his belief in not only the pagan concept of fate but in God as well. Therefore, the author has successfully reconciled fate with
For example, when explaining Hygelac’s death, the author states “fate swept him away because of his proud need to provoke a feud with the Frisians” (p. 85). The use of fate in this context refers to bad fortune due to Hygelac’s desire to stir up a confrontation with the Frisians. At an earlier point in the story, Beowulf tells Hrothgar, “no need to lament for long or lay out my body: if the battle takes me…Fate goes ever as fate must!” (p. 31). Here Beowulf leaves the decision to fate, which is a concept of paganism, but there is no mention of fate being controlled by God. This is in direct conflict with Christianity and the author is does associate fate with Christianity in other portions of the text. For example, when Beowulf is declaring his formal boast to kill Grendel, he states, “And may the Divine Lord in His wisdom grant the glory of victory to whichever side He sees fit” (p.47). This example shows Beowulf’s demonstration of his Christian beliefs and acknowledgement that it is ultimately up to God who will win the fight. After the fight with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf makes another declaration of fate when he states “it was hard-fought, a desperate affair that could have gone badly; if God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal” (p.115). Beowulf surrenders himself to God and is fully aware that his fate was left to God’s will. Beowulf once again shows his belief in not only the pagan concept of fate but in God as well. Therefore, the author has successfully reconciled fate with