Paganism And Christianity In Beowulf

Although the exact timing of the creation of Beowulf is unknown, Thomas Hill presents a solid argument pertaining to approximately when it was created and based on the view of paganism and Christianity in the poem. Hill talks about the “peculiar spiritual atmosphere of the poem” and how it is neither “emphatically and militantly Christian”, nor “unapologetically pagan or secular” like other works of the time (Hill, 2002, pg. 197-198). Beowulf is distinct because it is unique in its respectful view of paganism, while still maintaining the accepted Christian tone of that time period. Anglo-Saxons of the time struggled to reconcile their relatively newfound Christianity, with their pagan ancestors and stories. The biggest worry was “if paganism was legitimate, if pagans too could be saved, what was the point of Christian faith and Christian ascesis?” (Hill, 2002, pg. 200). Those who feared the collapse of
However, he is also depicted in a Christian manner as “prudent like that, giving freely while his father lives so that afterwards in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” (Heaney, 2002, pg. 200-225) The idea of giving and following in the path of his father is a very Christian idea. He is depicted as both a warrior, and later a great and noble king. The Anglo-Saxons believed that true greatness, such as that found in kings was passed down through generations of true Christian men, but the warrior is a typical Pagan archetype. By depicting Beowulf as both, the Pagan warrior when he is younger and as the more Christian king as he grown older, he reflects that change in society at the time, transitioning from Pagan to Christian. This combination of traits is what Hill is referring to by the “peculiar atmosphere of the