Beowulf and Christianity Essay - 818 Words

Morality, a standard of right behavior, was one of the most important characteristics during the Anglo-Saxon era. The story Beowulf depicted many virtues of the times. Beowulf holds his morals and virtues above all else, from the way he fought in battle until the day he died. Beowulf showed his honor as he traveled from his homeland to battle the vicious monster Grendel, who was terrorizing the Danes. Grendel â€Å"raided and ravaged† (105) the mead hall, showing no honor by killing inebriated men in their sleep. Beowulf proved his honor by deciding to â€Å"spurn all weapons†(338) and fight Grendel â€Å"with hand grip only†(342) thus declining an upper hand on his foe. Beowulf’s honor is apparent again when he describes the contest between†¦show more content†¦Beowulf fought off monsters in the oceans deep, protecting Breca from the â€Å"grisly sea beasts.† (430) Beowulf’s morality came also in the form of loyalty to people and hi s word. Loyalty to his father remained throughout the epic. On numerous occasions he boasted of his father, Ecgtheow, who â€Å"was famous in many a folk-land,† (195) thus immortalizing his name. Promises made by Beowulf were worth their weight in gold. His reputation grew as an honest and loyal man. After Beowulf’s promise to slay mother Grendel, Hrothgard â€Å"gave thanks to God/ for the heartening words the hero had spoken.† (910) Beowulf had yet to kill mother Grendel, but Hrothgar knew Beowulf would fulfill his promise. Acceptance of death, and care for the welfare of his people were Beowulf’s greatest virtues. Preparing for battle, Beowulf accepted the possibility of victory but also made arrangements in the event of his death. Before his battle with Grendel he requested â€Å"the best of corselets† and â€Å"Finest of byrnies†(353) be sent to Hygelac. Suffering a â€Å"grievous and grim†(1644) wound at the hands of the dragon, with the finger of death pointing his way, Beowulf’s only concern was the financial wellbeing of his people. Knowing his death was not in vain, he thanked god for allowing him to gain â€Å"such dower of riches† (1703) for his people upon his death. Beowulf was one of the most noble and moral epic heroes. Respect for hisShow MoreRelatedChristianity And Paganism In Beowulf1005 Words   |  5 Pageswanted to be a savior? Well, that is every day for one epic hero named Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic poem about good versus evil written by an anonymous Christian monk. Paganism was the Geats first religion, and once Christianity became introduced, the religion slowly shifted from paganism to Christianity. Beowulf has successfully exhibited the transition from paganism to Christianity. The epic poem has a shift from Christianity to paganism throughout the poem. There are many symbolic examples thatRead MoreChristianity And Paganism In Beowulf775 Words   |  4 Pages In Beowulf the differences between Heorot and Grendel’s swamp are personified through setting descriptions, religious context and Beowulf’s heroic traits compared with Grendel’s anathematic characteristics by highlighting the major conflicts between Christianity and Paganism, emphasizing the contrast of man against monster. Christian ideas are ingrained in different characters, the glorious and brave Beowulf exemplifies good Christian values, while Grendel personifies evil in a devil-like characterRead MoreComparison Of Christianity In Beowulf1123 Words   |  5 Pageslastly that a man to be godly should be humble and selfless, although Beowulf himself didn’t exactly followed the last. 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After reading Beowulf the author clearly shows how Beowulf is a man whoRead MoreElements Of Christianity And Moganism In Beowulf1963 Words   |  8 Pages Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon literary work, encompasses elements of both Christianity and paganism. Originally a polytheist group, the Anglo-Saxons began to embrace monotheism after learning about Christianity. Although they embraced monotheism, elements of paganism and polytheism still lingered in their society as they tried to adapt to their new belief. A combination of Christianity and paganism in Beowulf is the result of the unknown poet’s view of the change in beliefs in Anglo-Saxon society. RegardingRead MoreEssay on Beowulf (Christianity vs. Paganism)689 Words   |  3 PagesChristianity vs. Paganism In the story of Beowulf, there is a noticeable struggle between Christianity and Paganism, and the characters personal battle between the two. Throughout the story the characters display actions that lead towards Paganism and Christianity. Contrary to Pagan belief Beowulf is seen as the epitome of good and beneficent to all of mankind. In Beowulf, the people showed their faith and love in God, however due to horrific events, paranoia caused them to look for a quickRead MorePaganism and Christianity in Beowulf Essay examples1414 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf is an epic poem that centers around the hero Beowulf, a Geat from Sweden who crosses the sea to Denmark in a heroic quest to save King Hrothgar, king of the Danes and the builder of Herot, and his men from the demonic monster Grendel who kills and feasts on Hrothgar’s warriors. Beowulf’s adventure does not end when he defeats Grendel though, he must also kill Grendel’s mother because she seeks revenge for her son’s death. Once Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, he goes home and soon becomesRead More Christianity and Paganism in the Epic of Beowulf Essay1800 Words   |  8 PagesChristianity and Paganism in Beowulf The story of Beowulf shows the effect of the spread of Christianity in the early Danish paganistic society that values heroic deeds and bravery above all else. The mythical creatures that Beowulf kills with his supernatural strength make the story into an epic celebrating the life of a great hero. However, blending in among Beowulfs triumphs against the three key creatures, we also see Christian virtues being instilled upon the listeners. The goodRead More Epic of Beowulf - Where Did the Christianity in Beowulf Come From?2406 Words   |  10 PagesWhere Did the Christianity in Beowulf Come From?      Ã‚   The Christian influences in Beowulf ultimately came from the Christian/Catholic Church of Rome which converted Romans, and thereby the Roman legions and thereby the occupied provinces. Also the Christian/Catholic Bishop of Rome sent missionary priests and monks to the British Isles to proselytze the population. There are additional considerations too.    First of all, let us be clear about the fact that the conversion of Britain toRead MoreEssay about Beowulf (Christianity vs. Paganism)664 Words   |  3 Pages Christianity vs. Paganism nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In the story of Beowulf, there is a noticeable struggle between Christianity and Paganism, and the characters personal battle between the two. Throughout the story the characters display actions that lead towards Paganism and Christianity. Contrary to Pagan belief Beowulf is seen as the epitome of good and beneficent to all of mankind. In Beowulf, the people showed their faith and love in God, however due to horrific events, paranoia caused