Paganism In Beowulf - 1683 Words

Question #2 Contained within the epic poem Beowulf is the continuous, underlying theme of good versus evil – the shift from paganism to Christianity. Although this epic consists of the battle between the hero, Beowulf, and the monster, Grendel (and Grendel’s mother, as well), the main overture of the story is that of the new Christian belief triumphing over evil and the old pagan beliefs. This value is but one of many that contrast the pagan and Christian principles in Anglo-Saxon and in Beowulf. The blending and cultivation of these two religions are central to the tale, and to early Anglo-Saxon life. Moreover, this shift was crucial for Christianity’s acceptance into a pagan and polytheistic- based society. The author of Beowulf†¦show more content†¦Moreover, as Beowulf is regarded to be a â€Å"Christ-like† incarnation, his pride, especially regarding fame and fortune is brought to the forefront. In lines 1386 – 1388, he states â⠂¬Å"†¦we must earn some renown, if we can, before death; daring is the thing for a fighting man to be remembered by† (Beowulf). Essentially Beowulf is imbuing the reader with a reminder of a traditional pagan value: that remembrance and legend is the only great reward a warrior may achieve. Christianity holds to the belief that Heaven awaits after death, not merely a legacy and remembrance. This stark contrast between the vast differences of Christianity and paganism serve as a reminder of the era in which Beowulf came into being. Another of the underpinnings of the religious dichotomy contained within Beowulf is that of revenge. The aspect of revenge, especially concerning Beowulf and Grendel’s mother, severely conflicts with the Christian belief at the time this poem was written. The idea of forgiving ones’ enemies, as set forth in the New Testament of the Bible, is all but ignored. Instead, the author was â€Å"restricting his biblical references to events in the Old Testament, the poet shows the Germanic revenge ethic as consistent with the Old Law of retribution† (Longman Anthology 34). This is widely believed to have assuaged the listeners of the era while still presenting the story in a more favorable Christian light. The poem does reflect the Christian view of regret in theShow MoreRelatedPaganism In Beowulf1411 Words   |  6 PagesPagan ideas and values were a large influence in the creation of Beowulf due to the period it was created in. As the narrative was passed down by mouth Christianity views were slowly developed into the story. The poem was written after Anglo-Saxons were Christianized, but it is evident that pagan views were still in their mindsets. With these ideals still present, paganism and Christianity were woven into the story, and we see a mix of heroic ideals and self-sacrificing virtues that create a storyRead MorePaganism In Beowulf953 Words   |  4 Pagesof 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 are also ChristianRead 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 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 withRead MoreTheme Of Paganism In Beowulf1179 Words   |  5 Pageslongest epic poem ever written in the genre of Old English is â€Å"Beowulf†, it has been composed in the native language as spoken during the Anglo-Saxon reign in England, preceding the Norman Conquest. Beowulf is regarded as a classic tale which relates the defeat of evil and triumph of good. The poem is divided into three acts. Christian and Pagan Influences in Beowulf: The Pagan deities, rituals as well as pagan ideas influenced Beowulf, when it was being created, though the passing down of the epicRead More Beowulf, Christianity, and Paganism Essay963 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf, Christianity, and Paganism The poem Beowulf is a renowned story that displays many different surroundings and religious beliefs. Some may believe the story of Beowulf portrays pagan beliefs or customs and others believe that the poem is more in agreement with Christian ethnicity. The author of Beowulf uses both Christian and pagan elements in the poem to define the heroic warrior, Beowulf, and the evil dragons. After reading Beowulf the author clearly shows how Beowulf is a man whoRead MorePagan And Paganism In Beowulf1699 Words   |  7 PagesMany people believe that originally, Beowulf was a Pagan artifact. In fact, such belief has developed further to support that an anonymous Christian rewrote the piece with intent of applying Christian characters to the first script. Academics, however, differ on whether the central thematic argument was Christian or Pagan. The author remarkably puts actions into the context of the Bible owing to the impulse at the era of converting everyone to Christianity. By, interloc king the old Pagan elementsRead MoreEssay on Beowulf (Christianity vs. Paganism)689 Words   |  3 PagesChristianity 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 quickRead MoreEssay 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 More Christianity and Paganism in the Epic of Beowulf Essay1800 Words   |  8 PagesChristianity and Paganism in Beowulf The story of Beowulf shows the effect of the spread of Christianity in the early Danish paganistic society that values heroic deeds and bravery above all else. The mythical creatures that Beowulf kills with his supernatural strength make the story into an epic celebrating the life of a great hero. However, blending in among Beowulfs triumphs against the three key creatures, we also see Christian virtues being instilled upon the listeners. The good