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Theme Of Religion In Beowulf

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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. …show more content…
This is an example of paganism. “They sacrificed to the old stone gods, Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s support, the Devil’s guidance in driving Their affliction off” (23). Paganism in Beowulf has been around for centuries and has significant meaning in lives of many. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother is one of the most comprehensible examples. The hero’s last request was for Hrothgar was to replace him and to be the ring-giver for his restrainers is also another example of Paganism. “Longed only for fame, leaped back Into battle. He tossed his sword aside, Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he’d dropped it. If weapons were useless he’d use His hands. The strength in his
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