Beowulf: Christianity vs. Paganism Essay

Beowulf Christianity vs. Paganism

The epic Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf is distinguished not only for the difference in surroundings but in religious beliefs. The story of Beowulf directly shows the spread of Christianity and of the paganistic society that values heroic deeds and bravery. The author of Beowulf uses the mythological creatures that Beowulf kills to instill the story into an epic commemoration of the heroic deeds that Beowulf accomplishes. Not only is Beowulf composed of epic details but also of Christian virtues. The qualities of loyalty, humility, and sacrifice for the good of others are stealthy woven into the epic of Beowulfs story.

Beowulfs courage, faith and the love that his followers have for him are seen throughout the entire poem, None of his wise ones regretted his going, much as he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good, and they urged the adventure on (3. 116-19).. Beowulf has a Christ-like behavior in his good-heartedness 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. There are also, much simpler references to Christianity through-out Beowulf. Grendal is a descendant from Cain and is rejected by god, from this rejection Grendal must live in suffering. When Grendal appears he is bearing Gods hatred (8. 393) which is the opposite of the Thanes who celebrate Gods grace in there victories in Herot. Grendal attacks Herot because it essentially is everything that he lacks, much like Satan who is jealous of the happiness between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Grendal is described as forever joyless (8. 402), while the Thanes are living in joy. Grendals jealousy, pain, and his fervent attacks on the Thanes are a result of his outcast. Like Satans jealousy of mankind and to this day stalks people with temptations of evil.

Beowulf's character can be read as haughty and his actions interpreted as purely selfish on a quest for glory and fame, no man swims in the sea As I can, no strength is a match for mine (6. 266-67), but his bravery can also be read as the ultimate sacrifice. Another Christian virtue is self-sacrifice for the good of others. Beowulf risks his life when he fights Grendel and later on dives into the dangerous mere alone. His trip down to the bottom of the mere is symbolically similar to a journey to hell. He travels downwards and on his way many monsters attacked him in the water, a host of sea-beasts who beat at His mail shirt, stabbing with tusks and teeth." (12. 586-87) These could be symbols of the types of creatures one would encounter through the passages to hell and Grendel's mother's lair is where the devil, or a reincarnation of the devil resides. Beowulf kills Grendel's mother and again, the theme of the good one triumphing over the evil one is seen here. Perhaps god's intervention takes place when Beowulf is in the lair as a "brilliant light shone, suddenly, As though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heavens Own candle, lit in the sky. " appears to Beowulf as Grendels mother dies (13. 646-648)

Christian influence is seen widely in this epic poem. The sword used by Beowulf was hammered by giants, strong And blessed with there magic (13. 634-35), this maybe referenced to Goliath and David in the Old Testament, where David seizes the sword of the giant and kills him, and cuts off his head (Goliath). Beside Christian elements, the poem has many Christian analogies. While fighting the dragon, all of Beowulfs warriors flee none of his comrades Came to him, helped him, his brave and noble Followers; they ran for there lives, fled Deep in a wood (14. 746-49) to save there own lives leaving him alone, all except for one; Wiglaf. This resembles when Christ was in the Garden, the apostles gave up and fell asleep, all except Peter who loyally awaited Christ's return. The dragon is Beowulf's last and greatest battle. The dragon represents malice, greed, and destruction Pouring out fire and smoke (14. 719). He is a symbol of the power of Satan. Beowulf's fight with the dragon is a realization of the story of salvation where Beowulf, like Christ, gives his life for his people. The dragon is a timeless foe, which represents the eternal evils that man must fight to preserve whats good.

Even though written in around 700 A.D in a paganistic culture, Beowulf encompasses many of Christianitys virtues. The Christian elements affect what was essentially a pagan story. In the original pagan poem, Beowulf was a man of extra ordinary human strength. It was by this superhuman power that Beowulf was able to defeat the malice Grendal. Through the pagan ideals superhuman powers are given to supernatural characters. The Christian elements of the poem tell how man can only survive with the intervention of God and that all earthly possessions ultimately come from the Lord. The pagan sense of this poem shows the heroic side of man with pride and a desire to rise above all and be known among future generations. The Christian fundamentals say that it is not our pride and our wealth that we should hold on to, but that wealth through God's divinity should be share with all.