Religion Vs. Paganism In Beowulf
The classic epic tale Beowulf is a masterpiece that stands out in the literature of the past. Many characters in the poem struggle to define their religion at the time because Christianity was recently introduced in their Anglo-Saxon communities. Among them all, the main character Beowulf showed the most indecisiveness. In his words and actions, Beowulf embodies both Christian and Anglo-Saxon ideals; however, they reveal him to be more of a Christian than a pagan.
Through the eyes of many reading this poem, they would have guessed Beowulf to be more of a pagan; but, there are many more examples of Christianity than paganism. The basis of Anglo-Saxon paganism narrows down to two main ideals: fame and fate. Many natives of non-Christian belief …show more content…
Beowulf refers to God in many aspects throughout the novel. One of the first and most important references occurs when he talks about his upcoming fight with Grendel. Beowulf talks about the lack of fear he possesses for Grendel while speaking with Hrothgar. He applies this fearlessness to his belief that God will determine what will happen: “my hands / Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life / Against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip” (267-270). Even stating that he needs no weapon, Beowulf is convinced that God has given him his gift of strength and will help him win the battle. This assumption is largely due to the Christian influence being brought upon him. Another prominent Christian reference is Beowulf’s death scene. As he is taking his last few breaths, he takes time out to pray to the Lord. A normal thing for many religious people to do, Beowulf looks back on his life and thanks God for all the goodness he has received. He even accredits Him for all the wealth he has acquired: “For this, this gold, these jewels. I thank / Our Father in Heaven. Ruler of the Earth-- / For all of this. that His grace has given me,” (816-818). In this final phrase of his life, Beowulf reiterates the basis of Christian life; the Lord is all the goodness in the world around
Through the eyes of many reading this poem, they would have guessed Beowulf to be more of a pagan; but, there are many more examples of Christianity than paganism. The basis of Anglo-Saxon paganism narrows down to two main ideals: fame and fate. Many natives of non-Christian belief …show more content…
Beowulf refers to God in many aspects throughout the novel. One of the first and most important references occurs when he talks about his upcoming fight with Grendel. Beowulf talks about the lack of fear he possesses for Grendel while speaking with Hrothgar. He applies this fearlessness to his belief that God will determine what will happen: “my hands / Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life / Against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death’s cold grip” (267-270). Even stating that he needs no weapon, Beowulf is convinced that God has given him his gift of strength and will help him win the battle. This assumption is largely due to the Christian influence being brought upon him. Another prominent Christian reference is Beowulf’s death scene. As he is taking his last few breaths, he takes time out to pray to the Lord. A normal thing for many religious people to do, Beowulf looks back on his life and thanks God for all the goodness he has received. He even accredits Him for all the wealth he has acquired: “For this, this gold, these jewels. I thank / Our Father in Heaven. Ruler of the Earth-- / For all of this. that His grace has given me,” (816-818). In this final phrase of his life, Beowulf reiterates the basis of Christian life; the Lord is all the goodness in the world around