Religion In Beowulf

Indisputably, the epic poem Beowulf, the author of which is unknown, has a history that is equally as intriguing as its content. The poem has traversed far greater distances than the Baltic Sea, which its hero crossed to reach the land of the Danes, and has faced perils commensurate to the demons that appear in the poem to reach modern day readers. The most striking reminder of the epic’s rich history is the presence of both Anglo-Saxon and Christian elements within the text. Although the poem was likely composed in the sixth century, within a pagan culture, it was not transcribed until circa 1000 AD, and was therefore subject to Christian modification. The combination of both Anglo-Saxon and Christian cultural components lend the epic a unique
Paramount are the contradictory elements of the two cultures, which serve as a reminder of the conflict between Anglo-Saxon and Christian ideals that shaped both the poem’s modern meaning and Western-European culture as we know it. Throughout Beowulf, readers encounter a number of Anglo-Saxon values and customs, the comprehension of which is integral to fully appreciate the poem’s characters. The many instances in which Beowulf brags of many triumphs are clear evidence of the Anglo-Saxon love of boasting. The hero’s proclamation that “It won’t be a cutting edge I’ll wield to mow [Grendel] down, easily as I might,” authenticates the claim that Beowulf may even be a bit too self confident (679-80). Yet, the outcome of Beowulf’s fight with Grendel seems to imply that the hero’s aplomb is exactly what saved him, justifying the worth that Anglo-Saxon’s placed on boasting. The text reveals the more subtle importance of boasting when the narrator explains how Hrothgar “counted on Beowulf, on the warrior’s steadfastness and his word,” when Beowulf proclaimed that he would defeat Grendel (609-10). This statement demonstrates that boasting not only served as a way for Anglo-Saxons to recount
Among other Anglo-Saxon elements in Beowulf is the concept of “Comitatus Code,” which emphasizes the importance of loyalty to one’s leader. After Beowulf succeeds in killing Grendel, the narrator observes that within the mead hall “there was nothing but friendship. The Shielding nation was not yet familiar with feud and betrayal,” (1017-18). The poet’s intentional alignment between peaceful times and loyalty is certainly an exemplification of the Comitatus Code’s ideals. Wealhtheow observes similar conditions, during the celebration of Grendel’s defeat; “Here each comrade is true to the other, loyal to lord, loving in spirit,” (1228-29). This “peace-weaver,” as Jane Chance deems Hrothgar’s queen, seems to sense the imminent threat from Grendel’s mother and is attempting to remind the warriors to follow Comitatus Code. Wiglaf also references the importance of loyalty when he urges his fellow warriors to “bond together,” to help Beowulf fight the dragon (2659), as well as later when he admonishes them for being “tail-turners” (2848). Giving gifts in exchange for service is another aspect of