Preview

Theme Of Paganism In Beowulf

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
298 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Theme Of Paganism In Beowulf
Another one of Christian beliefs that is defined in Beowulf, is the representative of Paganism. The paganism components talks about in Beowulf, fist talks about Grendel’s portrayal. Grendel is described in these lines: “Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made his home in a hell” (l. 16-18). All the way through the poem the devilish monster Grendel, that has hate towards Herot Hall and the meeting of his men partying. In line for to this he waits on them till after partying are over in the Herot Hall once the men are intoxicated and comes in and murder Hrothgar’s men parting him to live in grief and mourn the death of his men. The funeral Beowulf demanded before he die also
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Christ Figure In Beowulf
    • 624 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Examples Of Christ Figure In Beowulf

    In the story,“Beowulf”, by Burton Raffel, Beowulf is the Christ figure in this story of the epic hero. In the story,there is this horrible monster, named Grendel, spreading terror around the land. Such a savage that he would be “Killing as often as he could” (80). Beowulf, a strong, brave warrior, would…

    • 624 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Archetypes In Beowulf
    • 571 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Examples Of Archetypes In Beowulf

    The introduction of Grendel to Herot caused many of the people to turn back to their pagan ways. For example, the author states, “Sometimes at pagan shrines they vowed offerings to idols, swore oaths that the killer of souls might come to their aid and save the people.” (lines 175-180). Out of fear, the people of Herot decided to turn to their false gods and away from Christian ideals. Grendel and his mother, with their role of causing fear are able to highlight one of the main reason the epic Beowulf was written; Christianity versus paganism. Another example of a pagan ideal being shown, is shortly after Grendel’s mother attacks. For example, the people of Herot seek revenge for their lost ones rather than mourning for them. Page 97, lines 1374-1389, “’Wise sir, do not grieve. It is always better to avenge dear one than to indulge in mourning.’”…

    • 571 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christian influences of beowulf
    • 437 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Christian influences of beowulf

    In the epic Beowulf , the story was translated by two scribes, A and B, into the manuscript…

    • 437 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Religion In Beowulf
    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Examples Of Religion In Beowulf

    Beowulf is an epic poem that is filled with many different mythological character, and religious symbols. Beowulf is a story that has been retold, translated, and interpreted in many different ways. As a result of this story being interpreted and translated through the years; there is a combination of both the Christian religion and Pagan beliefs.…

    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Theme Of Religion In Beowulf
    • 601 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Theme Of Religion In Beowulf

    Beowulf is a historical and elegiac Anglo-Saxon poem. Religion is an irritable subject and one of the main topics. The heroic character Beowulf is a depiction of superior and God. Grendel is the delineation of the Pagan beliefs as well as the corrupt in the world. This poem is composed of internal and external complications between the Pagan’s and the Christian’s beliefs. Even though Paganism is meticulously extended throughout the text, there are several references about Christianity. Keywords and phrases such as “fate”, “hoping for hell’s support, and many more help the reader understand the different religions that are visible in this poem. The anonymous author of Beowulf thrived with the legendary poem by embracing Paganism, Christianity, and the conflicts of both religions.…

    • 601 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christian Elements In Beowulf
    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Christian Elements In Beowulf

    Beowulf is the stepping stone for the creation of many stories of good vs. evil, ending with the hero receiving unending praise and adoration. With that many of the people who read of the epic poem now relate to it on many levels, my belief is that the Christian elements throughout this poem make it more intriguing to the modern day peruser. The author of the poem is unknown but based on the style of wording used and the Paganistic elements it is believed to have originally been scribed by Christian monks. Beowulf is a 'story' that has been passed down for generations being used as entertainment by the Anglo-Saxons in 10th century England. The biblical jewels hidden throughout this story not only help a reader to relate to the author’s work…

    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Hollywood In Beowulf
    • 482 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Hollywood In Beowulf

    When Beowulf was first recorded, it was likely written by Christian monks, who either interpreted the story in their own way or simply made edits of their own. This resulted in many nods to Biblical stories, one such nod being that Grendel was descended from Cain. On the other hand, in this day and age, religion is becoming less and less prevalent in everyday life, and for the sake of enjoyment, the religious background of Beowulf had to be…

    • 482 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Religion Essay
    • 677 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf Religion Essay

    Beowulf is the narrator and has more of a Christian perspective which is why paganism to him is a confusing topic or simply put strange territory. Heathen gods were thought to be devils so in Beowulf’s point of view the pagan people of the early medieval Scandinavia were literally vowing offerings, swearing oaths to, asking devils for aid which he saw as a curse due to the fact that they were seeking the help from devils rather than god himself. Beowulf does not understand paganism and how those who are pagan can simply live with the fact that after death they will not be able to approach the Lord and find friendship in the Father’s embrace as he and those who are Christian will be able to do…

    • 677 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    What Is Paganism In Beowulf
    • 1611 Words
    • 7 Pages

    What Is Paganism In Beowulf

    Beowulf was originally written as a pagan oral tradition before the Christian monks infused their religion into it. The epic hero showed his faith to God as he battled the monsters and depicted the world of Christianity. However, the ideas in the poem are presented in both Christian God and pagan power which exemplifies Wyrd. Christianity and paganism are at opposite ends of the religious spectrum and each represent different beliefs and customs. Christians believe and follow the teachings of Christ and depend on the Bible for Spiritual guidance, but paganism is based on the belief and worshiping of other gods through sacrifices. Interspersed in each line is both elements, from the prologue to its end, each element tells its own story.…

    • 1611 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Examples Of Good And Evil In Beowulf
    • 469 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Examples Of Good And Evil In Beowulf

    In the poem Grendel is represented as dark or evil and Beowulf fights literally the demons of hell. Grendel is the embodiment of evil, Grendel is the descendent if Cain who was Adam and eves son he killed his brother able and for that he was banished fork god and all things good. Grendel isn’t just evil because of his ancestors he also is very evil and does evil things. Grendel goes to warriors while they are sleeping and picks them off one by one he also goes to the mead hall and takes people and eats them.…

    • 469 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Religion In Beowulf
    • 1792 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Religion In Beowulf

    Beowulf is a masterpiece that has pillaged and powered through centuries of oral retelling and translating just as the character it vividly illustrates does throughout the epic. Despite being so impressive and entertaining on the surface, the Old English classic embodies something a lot greater, and that is the moral struggle of religion going on at the time. Religion played a huge role in Anglo-Saxon culture for it was what gave the people a reason to live for, it was what motivated people to work to make it through the harsh winters. Even today, it can be seen that people require that extrinsic motivation to work hard and push through obstacles in their path. The dichotomy of Paganism and Christianity at the time is depicted by the tone of the narrator, which subliminally hints at what their own beliefs are, symbols, that accentuate the severity of the dichotomy itself, and allusions as well as foreshadowing, that further the Christian impact on the poem.…

    • 1792 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Religion Vs. Paganism In Beowulf
    • 873 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Religion Vs. Paganism In Beowulf

    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…

    • 873 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christian Faith In Beowulf
    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Christian Faith In Beowulf

    In the reading of Beowulf, it is clear that the author is the moral compass that directs the poem and keeps this mindset through the whole story. With doing outside research I noticed different scholars frequently question whether or not the author was writing with his Christian faith as the mainstream of his work. Many would say Beowulf is somewhat of a Christ figure. Grendel is also what man may call the devil. This somewhat contradicts the common census of this actual piece being pagan theology. With other readings of different essays and articles they each had more concern of the Christian aspect concerning on the story. You can tell that the author was writing from a Christian perspective, talking about villains and the standards they have to uphold/and to shows these common qualities shared among believers of the Christian faith.…

    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christian Influences In Beowulf
    • 841 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Christian Influences In Beowulf

    The epic poem Beowulf is a tale of a warrior, named Beowulf, and the events that lead to his death. One of the main concerns of the epic poem was whether or not it is of pagan or Christian origin, or whether it has pagan or Christian influences. Even though the poem appeared to be originally a pagan story, there are many clues in the text that point to Christian influence and tradition. Beowulf is essentially a Christian story with Christian customs: that man's survival depends on the protection of God, that earthly gifts come from God, and also that Beowulf is a Christ-figure.…

    • 841 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Christianity vs. Paganism
    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf Christianity vs. Paganism

    In Beowulf christianity reveals itself, in which the reader emotions may feel sympathy from the ideas in relates to the bible. The characters in Beowulf take on different roles that are similar to the characters in the bible. The setting also includes christian elements for example, Herot Hall that Hrothgar built in honor of his fame, were celebrations were held with his men. In Beowulf lines 14- 15 describes celebration and peace in Herot Hall: “As now warriors sang of their pleasure: So Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall.” Even though Herot hall is the place were the celebration occurred; however, Grendel’s hatred for Herot’s celebration causes him swooped in while Hrothgar’s men were drunk and killed them all. Another Christianity Element discussed in the Beowulf is Beowulf heroism, how he uses God through all of his battles. Before the battle against Grendel, Beowulf says in lines 174-175: “God must decide/Who will be given to death’s cold grip.” In this quote Beowulf is basically saying that God will decide who will win between him and Grendel in battle because he requested to fight with his hands alone. Upon Beowulf’s death from his last battle with the dragon, he thank God from the heavens above for allowing his…

    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics