Beowulf Christian or Pagan Beliefs

Beowulf: Christian or Pagan Beliefs? Beowulf is one of the longest and oldest epic poems written in English, it may have been composed more than twelve hundred years ago. Beowulf has been spoken orally for hundreds of years. It was not thought to be written down until 750 A.D. It is widely believed that Beowulf is the work of a single poet, who was a Christian and the poem reflects a well established Christian tradition. The poem is said to have Christian beliefs but have a pagan theme throughout its entirety. Beowulf highlights both pagan and Christian values. Bravery, honor, loyalty, strength and courage are all the morals of the tale Beowulf. Each one is depicted through pagan or Christian standards.
“This great debate spans more than one hundred sixty years, with most nineteenth century scholars arguing that the poem is fundamentally pagan and most twentieth century scholars arguing that it is unmistakably Christian. More recent investigations tend to argue that Beowulf “mixes” and “blends” the two traditions” (A Christian Apology for Beowulf and Treasure 1). This discussion can be a little perplexing, because both themes are so relevant in the text. “A comfort sent by God to the nation” (Beowulf 13-14). This gives an indication that the theme of Christianity is prominent. The poem itself has a lot of different allusions to the bible and other strong Christian beliefs, such as God’s judgment and the principle of fate (wyrd). Grendel is the embodiment of all sinful and dark. The monster Grendel is said to be a descendent of Cain. Cain was an outsider in society, which is a direct similarity to Grendel This is one of the many allusions from the bible. Cain killed his own brother, the association Grendel has with Cain portrays him as an evil being or a threatening force. On the other side of the spectrum, feuds against one another are also a subject matter that is reoccurring, which is a pagan value. Although, Christian values are a