Juxtaposition of Pagan and Christian Beliefs
In Beowulf, the unknown author uses the juxtaposition of Christian and Pagan beliefs and ideals to convey the idea that accommodating two belief systems is difficult and unlawful. Throughout the epic poem the mix of Christian and Pagan beliefs in the Anglo-Saxon society coexist. The characters throughout the poem acknowledge Gods presence, but they drift back to pagan cultural values, which cause complications for the characters throughout the book. Throughout the entire epic poem of “Beowulf” the juxtaposition of pagan and Christian beliefs is evident and causes inner tension and problems to arise. Pagan code maintains honor is gained during life through deeds and acts of heroism. Beowulf keeps
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Beowulf also praises God, trusts in him, and always seems willing to submit to Gods will this juxtaposition is found throughout the poem. Hrothgar even tells Beowulf “It is wondrous to tell how the mighty God in the strength of his spirit sends wisdom to mankind and grants position and authority-he holds dominion over everything” (Unknown 60). The two belief systems are integrated in this poem and in some ways can coexist, but in many ways they cause conflict. The warrior culture that is present at the time of “Beowulf” dictates that it is always better to retaliate than to mourn on a loss. This warrior culture value is presented each time Beowulf fight Grendel, Grendel’s mom, and the dragon. Christianity advocates a peaceful forgiving attitude towards enemies. Throughout the poem there never seems to be any mention of a …show more content…
The pagan ideals and values displayed throughout the poem expose how destructive and misguiding the ideas of paganism can be. The people believe in God but hold onto their pagan values, which causes them to keep their culture of destruction and terror, directly violating their belief in God. As written in Matthew ch.7: 24 “No one can serve two masters, He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other, you cannot serve God and mammon.” The characters in “Beowulf” try to brush aside the cultural values that they must obey as Christian and live in a Christian world with pagan values. Just as it is stated in the bible, it is almost impossible to fully serve two masters like the Anglo-Saxons try to do. Even though throughout most of the story the people only worship and praise God, they still keep their beliefs and values mainly pagan. Although the author doesn’t display or highlight the issues that this causes, the story could have played out a lot differently if the Anglo-Saxons would have fostered Christian beliefs. At the core of Christianity is being humble, pride and personal fame and glory are highly valued in “Beowulf”. Another core value of Christianity is not placing value on worldly goods, but on heavenly
Since it began in oral convention, the epic Beowulf has no known creator. It does, in any case, serve as a representation of the Anglo-Saxon society it begins from. As a show-stopper, it additionally fills its need of good direction, today serving as an exhibit of what qualities were essential to the Anglo-Saxon individuals. Particularly seen through the characters of Beowulf and Wiglaf, the ballad Beowulf represents three critical ethics of now is the ideal time: boldness, honor, and faithfulness. Beowulf, the saint of the lyric, shows incredible fortitude in all that he does.
Finally, throughout the whole poem, Beowulf has Gods or supernatural beings that take part in the action to affect the outcome. Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel’s mother, the dragon, the serpentine creatures, and the sea monsters that Beowulf fought in the past have all affected the outcome of the
In “Beowulf,” there are many concepts of good and evil portrayed in the epic poem by an unknown author. Beowulf brings good to the Geats. The people would say he was a gift from the Gods to battle and demolish the evil. The monsters, however, cause trouble to the people and bring out the evil in everything. These elements of good and evil help define this an epic poem.
The epic poem “Beowulf”, translated by Burton Raffel, focuses on a hero by the name of Beowulf who goes on a quest to rescue King Hrothgar and his people from an egregious monster by the name of Grendel. This Anglo-Saxon tale gives insight into the values and beliefs of the people from whom the story originated. Their war-centered ideology and views on loyalty and courage were the principles that the Anglo-Saxon culture was founded upon. While warfare was a focal point in their lifestyle, it was far from a savage, barbaric state of fighting. Honor and prestige were bestowed upon those who died during battle and selflessness for fellow warriors was a fundamental belief.
Everyone has a perspective on good and evil; the battle line between good and even runs through the heart. “Beowulf” illuminates characters that come from dark and deep backgrounds that construct their dauntless actions. In the heroic tale “Beowulf,” the author’s tones strongly demonstrates themes of loyalty, honor, and courage. Raffel’s tones remotely displays the act of loyalty within multiple characters. “Hail to these who will rise to God, drop off their dead bodies” (101).
Beowulf is a historical poem that was made in the 8th century. Beowulf has taught many people in the world that we should always fight and succeed when it comes to our obstacles. Beowulf is a story that is mostly fighting the people that Beowulf fights for is his king and allies after all he is a strong warrior.he fights lot in the story and someone he fight is grendel a evil monster he fights and dies as a loyal soldier. Beowulf is a wonderful book that poems admiration and loyalty in every way possible. Beowulf was a strong warrior to show how he was i have this quote directly said by beowulf himself”If death does take me send the hammered mail to Higlac and return the inheritance i had from hrethel l and he from wayland fate will unwind
In the epic poem Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, faces three “monsters” at different times in his life. The poem begins with Grendel, a monster who attacks only in the dark of night, tormenting the kingdom of Hrothgar. The last two sections of the epic detail the conquering by Beowulf of Grendel’s mother and the dragon. The battle between the monsters and Beowulf represent the theme of good versus evil in the poem, as well as the fusion of pagan and Christian ideals in the changing Germanic society. Grendel’s mother’s actions directly juxtapose the role of a woman in this time period, and the greediness of the dragon with his treasure contrasts with the virtues of what would be considered a good king.
His combat prowess and warring behavior also contrasts with the euphonious and connotative diction that enshrouds Beowulf. Although Beowulf is an honorable warrior, even removing his armor to give Grendel the fairest chance of battle, he proved very sadistic during the gruesome brawl. Once grappling Grendel’s arm and locking it down, Beowulf proceeded to crush and dislocate Grendel’s whole arm, “Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at his hands. The monster’s hatred rose higher but his power had gone. He twisted in pain.
Two very important ideas in Pagan belief are Loyalty and Faith. Beowulf is very loyal to his comitatus and is also very loyal to Hrothgar. He would give his life for the safety of his brothers and would never stab them in the back. He also always had faith in himself and God. He trusted that he would be victorious over his enemies with God having his back.
Critically assess the extent of Christian and Latinate influence on Beowulf. When first reading Beowulf it would appear that the Christian references within it superimpose onto the essentially pagan view that makes a huge body of the poem. Therefore, within this assignment, there will be investigations of inconsistencies. Sources clearly show that Beowulf was written by Germanic pagans that had been debauched by some leftist ecclesiastic wordsmith , to the insistence that the author designedly created the Christian allegory along the lines of Book 1 of The Faerie Queen. It is know that Germanic traditions and techniques were used by Anglo-Saxons to frame Christian literature, just as it was with the poet of Beowulf.
The epic poem Beowulf presents insights into the importance of boasting in Anglo-Saxon culture. On the eve of Beowulf's battle with Grendel, he has a scuffle with Unferth. Beowulf ends up using a notable skill, boasting, an important mechanism to assert prowess and triumphs. They can serve as a certification of reputation, bravery, and power, all values of Anglo-Saxon society. The exchange between Unferth and Beowulf exhibit the value of boasting in a society that values the truth.
Because of his choice to not trust in God, Beowulf ends up dying, but he is still not aware of his mistake, (Death ln 160-161). God could not let him continue life with His blessing upon him if Beowulf could not keep his faith in God. This ends up being his fatal mistake that results in his death. Through the epic Beowulf, the reader realizes the author’s use of paganism and christianity is to reflect the idea that putting faith in worldly things and not putting faith in God leads to a person’s ultimate demise.
Beowulf took place in the sixth century, in times where “rank and ceremony, human solidarity and culture” were key components of social culture. Glory also played a huge role: “veterans with their tales of warrior-kings and hero-saviours from the past [rubbed] shoulders with young braves,” influencing the latter to strive for greatness (Heaney). Heroism and sacrifice are part of what “gave drive and sanction to the Germanic warrior-culture enshrined in Beowulf” (Heaney). Christianity played a large part in both Germanic society and the poem Beowulf.
The poem remarks a biblical reference as “Grendel … A kindred of Cain” first surfaces. Moreover, the poem often alludes to God as well as the worlds of Heaven and Hell further elucidating the Anglo Saxon views. Beowulf clearly demonstrates his acknowledgement of God countless times: In fact, Beowulf could well have been slayed by Grendel’s fiendish mother had “God not saved him [Beowulf].” The presence of religious influences are reinstated by the glut of glorifications and innuendos of Christianity and the concept of God within the Anglo Saxon society. Even the mighty King Hrothgar depicts these values showing his scarce concern for material objects “Sharing the gifts God had bestowed on him” signifying his compassion, a requisite for Christian
The epic poem Beowulf is a classic tale of good versus evil. Good, as shown in the story, is any action that fights evil and defends the community and the people of it. The evil intent of Grendel, the story’s antagonist and cannibalistic murderer, who is depicted as a “fiend out of hell” (99), is strongly countered by the heroic actions of the stories main protagonist, Beowulf. The noble King Hrothgar is a role model for young Beowulf at the beginning of the epic, displaying acts of charity and wisdom throughout his life.