Preview

Examples Of Christ Figure In Beowulf

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
624 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Examples Of Christ Figure In Beowulf
When you think of Christ you tend to think of our savior, the almighty that died for us. There are many perspectives around the world about what a Christ figure might be. Some might think positively about Christ, spreading his greatness and others might think of him as a lost cause so there are many interpretations of him. A Christ figure is someone courageous, with integrity, and a strong will that is willing to fight on behalf of others. In the story,“Beowulf”, by Burton Raffel, Beowulf is the Christ figure in this story of the epic hero. In the story,there is this horrible monster, named Grendel, spreading terror around the land. Such a savage that he would be “Killing as often as he could” (80). Beowulf, a strong, brave warrior, would
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Comparing Beowulf And Grendel's
    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Comparing Beowulf And Grendel's

    Beowulf is the main character in his own Epic, with Grendel being the first obstacle to overpower. A Simple description for a simple book. For this reason Grendel is a cliché character that the readers will dismiss with hast; Grendel is a straightforward, but horrifying, monster. “So mankind's enemy continued his crimes, Killing as often as he could, coming Alone, bloodthirsty and horrible” (79-81). Grendel is not as plain in Grendel the novel, he is every bit as gory though. “I lift her by the armpits as though she was a child and, gently, I set her aside” (147). This tells a many great things, first is Grendel’s…

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Grendel's 'Monster In Beowulf'
    • 1140 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Grendel's 'Monster In Beowulf'

    In the book of beowulf there is this monster named grendel who haunted the moors “he is this powerful monster laying down in the darkness growing in pain”. And further on in the book, their i this hero Beowulf the bravest, stronger man than anyone in the world. One night grendel was angry with all the noise the king and the king's men were making, so he goes down and kills a lot of his men. This happens several times.the hero Beowulf hears their cry for help and comes to kill grendel. At the end he kills him with no weapons he” ripped him apart and cut his body into parts”.…

    • 1140 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christian Elements In Beowulf
    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Christian Elements In Beowulf

    Beowulf is the stepping stone for the creation of many stories of good vs. evil, ending with the hero receiving unending praise and adoration. With that many of the people who read of the epic poem now relate to it on many levels, my belief is that the Christian elements throughout this poem make it more intriguing to the modern day peruser. The author of the poem is unknown but based on the style of wording used and the Paganistic elements it is believed to have originally been scribed by Christian monks. Beowulf is a 'story' that has been passed down for generations being used as entertainment by the Anglo-Saxons in 10th century England. The biblical jewels hidden throughout this story not only help a reader to relate to the author’s work…

    • 1025 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    What Would Beowulf Do? How Beowulf Is a Christ-Like Figure
    • 1638 Words
    • 7 Pages

    What Would Beowulf Do? How Beowulf Is a Christ-Like Figure

    In Beowulf’s first quest, his objective is to deliver the Danes from the monster Grendel, a hulking beast of a bottomless lake who is immune to the man-made weapons which attempt to pierce his scaly skin as he effortlessly devours the Danish warriors one by one. Grendel is a physical manifestation of the evil which Christ ventured to save the Jews from, in his time. Alan Alda explained, “When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself…

    • 1638 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Examples Of Christian Allusions In Beowulf
    • 188 Words
    • 1 Page

    Examples Of Christian Allusions In Beowulf

    The epic of Beowulf was used as Christian propaganda by the early English in an attempt to convert the polytheistic Anglo Saxons to believing in one God. In order to keep the text familiar but still convincing of a monotheistic religion, Christian allusions are made in a subtle way. Although there are heavy references to a singular God used throughout the story, all the biblical stories are taken from the old testament, and direct innuendos are made about Jesus Christ or any prominent Christian figures from the new testament. The story itself is meant to convince an entire culture who has held polytheistic believes for generations, of a monotheistic God in a way familiar enough to be able to relate into their current lifestyle, and by utilizing…

    • 188 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Religion in Beowulf
    • 798 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Religion in Beowulf

    The pride of Beowulf was a personal characteristic that was not commonly shared with others during his time of living. This pride caused Beowulf to feel the need to assume the position of leader of his community; it was his duty to keep order among his community and protect them from evil. This includes the evil of Grendel, and therefore it was Beowulf's duty to slay the monster. This relationship between Beowulf and his community resembles the relationship that Beowulf has with God. Without him, his community was sure to eventually be murdered and eaten by Grendel. Beowulf, however, protects them and keeps them out of harm's way. Similarly, God serves as protection for Beowulf. Throughout the epic, God is referred to as “the protector” for this very reason. This idea is exemplified with the battle against Grendel's Mother. Beowulf states that “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me.” (Beowulf 1026) Beowulf proves this further when he states “most often He has guided the man without friends,” (Beowulf 977) in which he gives the reader a hint that there is some form of mystical power that is providing him protection. This ideal of God's protection is one of the main elements of Christian philosophy…

    • 798 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Ambiguity Of Grendel In Beowulf's First Villain
    • 735 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Ambiguity Of Grendel In Beowulf's First Villain

    Beowulf’s first villain Grendel is an exceptionally diverse character. His nature is ambiguous. He is a mix of man and beast and his fury is based on very human feelings of resentment and jealousy. Although Grendel is portrayed as an animal like demonic creature of some sort, upon further examination the reader begins to sympathize with the very human emotions that drive him to kill.…

    • 735 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Evil In Beowulf
    • 330 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Evil In Beowulf

    The hero Beowulf is a king and Danish warrior, also known as “The Geat” (Line 639),Prince of Goodness (676), Weather-Geat (697), The hero, and Kinsman. Hrothgar, King of Heorot have a variety of alternative in the work, as Lord of the Shielding (663), friend of the people (427-428), Helmet of Shielding (456), The King of Glory (665) and Divine Lord(685). The terrible monster Grendel an evil being known as the captain of evil (749), powerful demon (86), the shadow stalker, monster. Grendel’s Mother is an evil character who encourages the atrocities committed by his son Grendel and Wiglaf, Beowulf’s nephew known as man of worth, Shield warrior, Prince of the Scylfing, is finally the King…

    • 330 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Christianity In Beowulf
    • 952 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Christianity In Beowulf

    The story of Beowulf is a well known epic poem and a significant piece of literature. Many people still read and enjoy it today. Beowulf offers readers the opportunity to explore beliefs and customs of the past. Not only is the story entertaining, it is also educational. There are several different lessons one can learn from Beowulf. Religion is one of the main themes of the story. Individuals studying the religious aspects of the tale will see two main beliefs: paganism and Christianity. These two beliefs contain similarities and many differences. Readers will be intrigued to see Christian influences throughout the English tale, which was written during a time deep in pagan tradition. There are a plethora of lessons to learn from the story,…

    • 952 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    How Is Grendel's Mother Portrayed In Beowulf
    • 493 Words
    • 2 Pages

    How Is Grendel's Mother Portrayed In Beowulf

    Beowulf, written by Seamus Heaney, is narrated by a Christian poet and directed towards an old English audience. The text reveals to have a reflection of the patriarchal society in which the story was written. The story shadows a hero named Beowulf while he embarks on many adventures and vanquishes monsters. This quote takes place after Grendel’s vengeful mother makes an appearance and murders some of the villagers. Despite these murders, Grendel’s mother is belittled because of her lady-like demeanor despite having a more of an impact on the king and proving to be harder to defeat than Grendel.…

    • 493 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf: Comparison to Christ
    • 560 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf: Comparison to Christ

    Within the story of Beowulf, you can find many elements of Christian philosophy: that man only survives through the protection and guidance of God, all earthly gifts are given from God, and that man is to be meek and unselfish. However, Beowulf holds a strong sense of pride within himself at certain points within the story, which conflicts with Christian values. We end up seeing pride vs. humility and sacrifice vs. selfishness. When at the celebration Hrothgar reminds Beowulf of the lessons of the Greek tragedians: that pride, unhardened by humility, will result in the horrible consequences. He also teaches the lessons of Christian philosophy: that wealth, gained through the grace of God, must be shared unselfishly.…

    • 560 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Comparing Beowulf And Jesus
    • 724 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Comparing Beowulf And Jesus

    The characterization of Beowulf is one of grandeur, portraying the king to be almost superhuman and greater than any other. The king goes through many trials saving people and performing miracles to prove his worth. The Beowulf poet attempts to draw a parallel between the leader and Jesus, although in vain. Beowulf is simply human, even the best human still pales in comparison to Jesus Christ. The character can be viewed as a Christ-like figure through his superhuman miracles, his greatest enemy, and his gracious attitude towards his people. Beowulf, however, does not nearly reach the notch to be like Christ; he fails due to his greatest flaw, pride. His death does not bring peace or spiritual benefit for his tribe; these flaws ultimately prove…

    • 724 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf as Christian Allegory
    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Beowulf as Christian Allegory

    Beowulf's story is somewhat of an allegory in which he is depicted as the Christ figure. The theme of Beowulf is a contrast of good and evil which is manifest in both Christian and pagan elements; Beowulf represents good, while Grendel, his mother, and the dragon represent evil. The first monster our hero, Beowulf, faces is Grendel. Grendel is said to be a descendant of Cain. "Unhappy creature (Grendel), he lived for a time in the home of the monsters' race, after God had condemned them as kin of Cain" (Norton, 28). Cain is the son of Eve, the woman who bore sin into the world. A connection, however vague, can be made between the maternal relations of Eve and Cain and Grendel and his mother. Grendel's mother can be considered to personify man's fall from grace and Grendel himself might embody sin. Furthermore, the dragon Beowulf battles can be said to be a picture of Satan: "the smooth hateful dragon who flies at night wrapped in flame" (56).…

    • 530 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Beowulf Christianity vs. Paganism
    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Beowulf Christianity vs. Paganism

    In Beowulf christianity reveals itself, in which the reader emotions may feel sympathy from the ideas in relates to the bible. The characters in Beowulf take on different roles that are similar to the characters in the bible. The setting also includes christian elements for example, Herot Hall that Hrothgar built in honor of his fame, were celebrations were held with his men. In Beowulf lines 14- 15 describes celebration and peace in Herot Hall: “As now warriors sang of their pleasure: So Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall.” Even though Herot hall is the place were the celebration occurred; however, Grendel’s hatred for Herot’s celebration causes him swooped in while Hrothgar’s men were drunk and killed them all. Another Christianity Element discussed in the Beowulf is Beowulf heroism, how he uses God through all of his battles. Before the battle against Grendel, Beowulf says in lines 174-175: “God must decide/Who will be given to death’s cold grip.” In this quote Beowulf is basically saying that God will decide who will win between him and Grendel in battle because he requested to fight with his hands alone. Upon Beowulf’s death from his last battle with the dragon, he thank God from the heavens above for allowing his…

    • 1002 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Similarities Between Beowulf And Jesus
    • 160 Words
    • 1 Page

    Similarities Between Beowulf And Jesus

    Furthermore, the comparisons discussed for Beowulf and his men to Jesus and his apostles are presented in another way. The beginning of Beowulf depicts the mead-hall as the place to be for pagan culture. Though, being seen in a Christian influenced poem creates confusion, the ideology of the mead-hall was Anglo-Saxon focused even for other Pagan groups. This in turn questions if Christianity had a role in the kingdom Beowulf came to assist. Though, the mead-hall was used as a meeting place and used for just about everything else Pagans celebrated. The relation to Christianity can be seen through the comparison between Beowulf and Jesus. Beowulf arriving is given feast in the mead-hall, then later has one after slaying the monsters. The feast…

    • 160 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More

Related Topics