Essay on Beowulf (Christianity vs. Paganism) - 689 Words

Christianity vs. Paganism In the story of Beowulf, there is a noticeable struggle between Christianity and Paganism, and the characters personal battle between the two. Throughout the story the characters display actions that lead towards Paganism and Christianity. Contrary to Pagan belief Beowulf is seen as the epitome of good and beneficent to all of mankind. In Beowulf, the people showed their faith and love in God, however due to horrific events, paranoia caused them to look for a quick fix and turns them to Paganism. The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman personifications. Beowulf is depicted as a superhero. Beowulf takes it upon himself to save the Danes from Grendel. In his†¦show more content†¦These battles are examples of epic folklore during pagan times. While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones dominate. Many of the characters exhibit Christian characteristics. Beowulf has a Christ-like behavior in his good-hearted ness and charity. Beowulf understands the plight of the Danes that are being oppressed by the evil monster Grendel just as Christ knew of the oppression of the Jewish people. Both set out on a venture to save their people. To free themselves from the monster, the Danes need a savior, and Beowulf, through his desire to disperse their suffering, comes to save them. When Beowulf battles Grendel, he exhibits a sense of fairness when he refuses to use a weapon. The idea throughout the poem of living right, of loyalty, and of being a good leader can all be seen as traits of Christ. Just as Beowulf exemplifies Christ, Grendel mirrors Satan. Beowulf and Grendel represent the Christian beliefs of good verse evil. Grendel is referred to as a descendant of Cain, whom Satan tricks into sinning and committing the first murder. He is the image of a man fallen from grace through sin. Like Satan who is jealous of the happiness and joy that Adam and Eve have in the Garden of Eden, Grendel is jealous of the happiness and joy in Heorot. Grendel, as with Satan, is an adversary of God and poses a great challenge to Beowulf. Grendel lives in an underworld as Satan lives in hell. Grendel is referred to in the poem as the guardian ofShow MoreRelatedEssay about Beowulf (Christianity vs. Paganism)664 Words   |  3 Pages Christianity vs. Paganism nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In the story of Beowulf, there is a noticeable struggle between Christianity and Paganism, and the characters personal battle between the two. Throughout the story the characters display actions that lead towards Paganism and Christianity. Contrary to Pagan belief Beowulf is seen as the epitome of good and beneficent to all of mankind. In Beowulf, the people showed their faith and love in God, however due to horrific events, paranoia causedRead MorePaganism In Beowulf953 Words   |  4 PagesThe Impact of Christianity and Paganism in Beowulf Beowulf was composed when England was transitioning from a pagan to a Christian culture. In chapter 3 of A Little History of Literature, it is said that Beowulf was likely written by a Christian monk who inserted Christian themes into the story. 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 areRead MoreTheme Of Christian And Pagan Elements In Beowulf978 Words   |  4 Pageselements Beowulf was written during the time that society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Early Christianity developed in the Roman Empire, where many religions were practiced and formed into paganism. 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The Christianity ideology views state that man can survive and do great things through the protection of God. A strong desire of pride is also represented in the form of a hero in Beowulf, which in a sense goes against Christian morals. This clash with Christian morals in Beowulf was in the context of pride vs. humility and selfishness vs. sacrifice. In the b ook, Hrothgar first explained to Beowulf that pride without humilityRead MoreBeowulf And The Pagan Elements1944 Words   |  8 Pages Beowulf was written in England about sometime in the 8th century. This provides us with an idea of that when the poem was written during a time when society was in the process if being converted from the Paganism Religion to the Christianity Religion. The Christian influences were combined with the early folklores and heroic legends of the German tribes, that whether or not Christian and bible influences were added later on to the original document. The fact that Christianity and Paganism were soRead MoreBeowulf: the Pagan Christian Epic Hero1569 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf has both pagan and Christian influences. Throughout the story there are many elements of Christian teachings: that man survives only through the protection of God, that all earthly gifts flow from God, and that the proper bearing of man is to be humble and unselfish (csis.edu, 2011). While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones are more prevalent, exhibiting many elements of Christian her oism in the poem. An example is when Beowulf says â€Å"God must decide who will beRead MorePaganism In Beowulf1182 Words   |  5 PagesIn the epic poem Beowulf the poem depicts the time in religious history where Christian and pagan beliefs were introduced to society. This poem was written in the time of the Anglo-Saxon period where pagan was the preferred religion. In later years as time gradually passed, Christianity became one of the more favored religions. Beowulf contains many elements of both religions. Though paganism was very popular throughout this poem, it showed a mixture of the two beliefs. These beliefs played a majorRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By William Shakespeare935 Words   |  4 Pageswho s willing to put down his life for the good of others , well Beowulf was both. In the novel Beowulf , to me, the main theme of the entire story is heroism. Beowulf is your knight in shining armor or your fire fighter who goes into a living hell to save a kitten. Heroism i s scattered all over this epic poem. Sure paganism and christianity are in it as well as good vs evil but they are not as i would say the backbone of Beowulf. to prove my opinion I shall gather quotes from the epic novel wouldRead MoreChristianism And Paganism In Beowulf2091 Words   |  9 PagesChristianity vs. Paganism Beowulf is an epic poem combining different stories consisting of contrasting elements, such as paganism and Christianity. Within these stories of Beowulf and the followers of Beowulf, as well as the enemies, paganism actually played the role of the largest religion practiced versus that of Christianity. The stories that make up this epic go by their own titles like, The Wrath of Grendel, The Coming of Beowulf, The Battle with Grendel, The Monster’s Lair, The Battle with