Theme Of Religion In Beowulf
Beowulf is a historical and elegiac Anglo-Saxon poem. Religion is an irritable subject and one of the main topics. The heroic character Beowulf is a depiction of superior and God. Grendel is the delineation of the Pagan beliefs as well as the corrupt in the world. This poem is composed of internal and external complications between the Pagan’s and the Christian’s beliefs. Even though Paganism is meticulously extended throughout the text, there are several references about Christianity. Keywords and phrases such as “fate”, “hoping for hell’s support, and many more help the reader understand the different religions that are visible in this poem. The anonymous author of Beowulf thrived with the legendary poem by embracing Paganism, Christianity, and the conflicts of both religions.
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In this poem Grendel is known as a superhuman monster that does not have any knowledge of weapons and strongly depends on his strength.
This is an example of paganism. “They sacrificed to the old stone gods, Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s support, the Devil’s guidance in driving Their affliction off” (23). Paganism in Beowulf has been around for centuries and has significant meaning in lives of many. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother is one of the most comprehensible examples. The hero’s last request was for Hrothgar was to replace him and to be the ring-giver for his restrainers is also another example of Paganism. “Longed only for fame, leaped back Into battle. He tossed his sword aside, Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he’d dropped it. If weapons were useless he’d use His hands. The strength in his
fingers”(40). There are many examples of Christianity in this poem. It is said to be that this poem was written by a Christian monk who added all of the Christianity to it. It was originally supposed to be complete Paganism. (1). Beowulf can be seen as a Christian story of salvation. Throughout the story Beowulf continuously speaks of how God is his protector. As the hero and Grendel fight, he states “The fight would have ended straight away if God had not guarded me”(1.4). There is a sense of mythical protection in the poem. The credit is given to God: “But Weilder of men granted me that I should see hanging on the wall a fair, ancient great-sword”(1.5). Grendel’s mother’s attack is a perfect example of the conflicts between the two religions. The basic conflict in this poem is the battle between good and evil. Beowulf essentially fails to show any internal conflict because of his strong belief in God. He never thinks about a fight, he just proceeds in faith. Grendel has faced much internal conflict. He was exiled from God’s light because of his ancestor, Cain. Grendel hated God and anyone who honored him. Therefore, his hatred created internal conflict.
The anonymous author of Beowulf thrived with the legendary poem by embracing Paganism, Christianity, and the conflicts of both religions. Religion in Beowulf seems to be a much more important idea than most people give credit for. This surviving poem has lasted many generations and has served a major importance in some lives. Is it easy to conclude Paganism is the main Religion is this chronicle poem. Beowulf strived to be the Christ-like hero, saved from evil. Many conflicts arrived in the poem due to religious beliefs. When fighting, different beliefs were used for different skills. The reader can easily tell beliefs was the main reason for conflicts. Breaking Down Religion and Conflict in Beowulf. In Anglo-Saxon England it was very important to fulfill the last request of warrior, who was willing to die for one.
In this poem Grendel is known as a superhuman monster that does not have any knowledge of weapons and strongly depends on his strength.
This is an example of paganism. “They sacrificed to the old stone gods, Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s support, the Devil’s guidance in driving Their affliction off” (23). Paganism in Beowulf has been around for centuries and has significant meaning in lives of many. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother is one of the most comprehensible examples. The hero’s last request was for Hrothgar was to replace him and to be the ring-giver for his restrainers is also another example of Paganism. “Longed only for fame, leaped back Into battle. He tossed his sword aside, Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where he’d dropped it. If weapons were useless he’d use His hands. The strength in his
fingers”(40). There are many examples of Christianity in this poem. It is said to be that this poem was written by a Christian monk who added all of the Christianity to it. It was originally supposed to be complete Paganism. (1). Beowulf can be seen as a Christian story of salvation. Throughout the story Beowulf continuously speaks of how God is his protector. As the hero and Grendel fight, he states “The fight would have ended straight away if God had not guarded me”(1.4). There is a sense of mythical protection in the poem. The credit is given to God: “But Weilder of men granted me that I should see hanging on the wall a fair, ancient great-sword”(1.5). Grendel’s mother’s attack is a perfect example of the conflicts between the two religions. The basic conflict in this poem is the battle between good and evil. Beowulf essentially fails to show any internal conflict because of his strong belief in God. He never thinks about a fight, he just proceeds in faith. Grendel has faced much internal conflict. He was exiled from God’s light because of his ancestor, Cain. Grendel hated God and anyone who honored him. Therefore, his hatred created internal conflict.
The anonymous author of Beowulf thrived with the legendary poem by embracing Paganism, Christianity, and the conflicts of both religions. Religion in Beowulf seems to be a much more important idea than most people give credit for. This surviving poem has lasted many generations and has served a major importance in some lives. Is it easy to conclude Paganism is the main Religion is this chronicle poem. Beowulf strived to be the Christ-like hero, saved from evil. Many conflicts arrived in the poem due to religious beliefs. When fighting, different beliefs were used for different skills. The reader can easily tell beliefs was the main reason for conflicts. Breaking Down Religion and Conflict in Beowulf. In Anglo-Saxon England it was very important to fulfill the last request of warrior, who was willing to die for one.