Allegory In Beowulf Essay

Allegory is a kind of poem or story with hidden meanings, usually ones being political or moral. If read more closely a poem or story could have a deeper meaning to it. Beowulf is more to the moral side of allegory, because of the way the characters are represented as good and evil. Grendel can be seen as more than just a crazed giant demon, he is an allegory of evil, by how he is a direct descendant of Cain; and with defeating Grendel, Beowulf is defeating evil itself. Grendel’s mother is an allegory of the original sin, and by defeating her Beowulf is over0coming sin and desire. The dragon is an allegory of Satan with the way he hoards treasure, destroys and kills many people, this shows he has many of the cardinal sins. Beowulf himself is an allegory of God or Christ with the way he protects the land and people, as well as sacrificing himself in order to save many lives.
Beowulf starts off with the king of Denmark, Hrothgar, who is a very kind and generous man. He builds a mead-hall, Heorot, where his men can go to parties, singing and dancing to music. This angers Grendel, a demon who lives in the
Beowulf is an allegory of God/Christ with the way he protects his people, and in the end sacrifices himself for them. The Dragon is an allegory for Satan in the way he wants to destroy everything. Many of the people and places that live in the world of Beowulf represent the real world historically, culturally, and religiously. Some of the characters and places can be found along the way in history, and are a part of the past. This includes some of the warriors, leaders, and battles that took place. The aspects of good and evil can be found in the form of revenge, fate, loyalty, honor, and fame. Finally, throughout the epic tale there are many examples of how Paganism and Christianity were quite real and alive during that