Christianity In Beowulf Essay

The definition of Christianity explains religion taken from Jesus Christ, based on the Bible as sacred scripture, and professed by Eastern, Roman Catholic, and Protestant bodies. On the other hand Paganism means it’s religion that praises many gods or goddesses, considering the earth as holy, and does not have a central authority. The Anglo- Saxons is a mixture of both paganism and Christian rituals. Beowulf accommodates indications of both pagan and Christianity. Beowulf also reflects Christian ideas occasionally to the Old testament but none of the new testaments whatsoever. However pagan elements also to be found in Beowulf. When this poem was written Christianity was at it’s highest peak. The christianity belief is that everything good happens because the Lord’s presence was there when needed.There are many Christian elements for example man survives through protection of the lord. Christianity is mentioned through two characters, Beowulf and Hrothgar. Grendel is described as a descendant of Cain which shows a clear biblical reference. “He was spawned in that slim, Conceived by a pair of those monsters born of cain, murderous creatures banished By god, punished
In Beowulf as quoted “Higlac is my cousin and my king” Line 238.Paganism is detailed into the story for example Grendel is called out as a monster and a demon. He is also a descendant from Cain. As told all of Cain’s descendants they are carried down with despite. The danes for example praise Hrothgar. “Hail Hrothgar !” Line 237. There are no religious references and there is no praising one god but instead more than many. In christianity one of the ten commandments is not to have another god but then one known. .Most of the paganism in Beowulf is showed through the lens of a medieval Christian idea of what Norse paganism was. Anyhow Grendel is presented as a malicious character, whom Beowulf defeats before defeating Grendel's