Beowulf Essay
Andres Medrano
Madonna
English 4AP/5
11 December 2015
Beowulf Essay Beowulf was written in a time when Christianity and Paganism were commonly practiced. The author of this epic poem was Christian, yet his work reflects both Christian and
Pagan elements that are evident throughout. Christianity focuses on the acts of the Almighty, while Paganism focuses more on fate and destiny. Although both of these ideas may seem distant, there is evidence in the poem that shows how they reconcile.
Christianity is evident in the poem when we see,“The monster wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favour. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hellbrute.” (12691274) Beowulf is considered an epic hero in this poem. He possesses superhuman strength, courage, heart, and strong leadership. When it comes down to his fight with Grendel, the author reveals that Beowulf could not have done it alone. He relied on the help of God. Another example of Christianity is when Beowulf faces a downfall. “It threw the hero into deep anguish and darkened his mood: the wise man thought he must have thwarted ancient ordinance of the eternal Lord, broken
His commandment.” (23272331) Beowulf thinks that his downfall is an act of punishment for breaking a divine law. This shows the belief that God seemed to control every part of human life. An example of Paganism is when Beowulf says to Hrothgar, “Sorrow not, wise warrior.
It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much mourn.”(45) Beowulf says this to
Hrothgar after the loss of Aeschere. He basically tells him that he must remember the importance Germanic Heroic Code which relates with an act of revenge, a value held close to the Pagans. "His warshirt, handfashioned, broad and wellworked, was to explore the mere: it knew how to cover his bodycave so that foe's grip might
Madonna
English 4AP/5
11 December 2015
Beowulf Essay Beowulf was written in a time when Christianity and Paganism were commonly practiced. The author of this epic poem was Christian, yet his work reflects both Christian and
Pagan elements that are evident throughout. Christianity focuses on the acts of the Almighty, while Paganism focuses more on fate and destiny. Although both of these ideas may seem distant, there is evidence in the poem that shows how they reconcile.
Christianity is evident in the poem when we see,“The monster wrenched and wrestled with him but Beowulf was mindful of his mighty strength, the wondrous gifts God had showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favour. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hellbrute.” (12691274) Beowulf is considered an epic hero in this poem. He possesses superhuman strength, courage, heart, and strong leadership. When it comes down to his fight with Grendel, the author reveals that Beowulf could not have done it alone. He relied on the help of God. Another example of Christianity is when Beowulf faces a downfall. “It threw the hero into deep anguish and darkened his mood: the wise man thought he must have thwarted ancient ordinance of the eternal Lord, broken
His commandment.” (23272331) Beowulf thinks that his downfall is an act of punishment for breaking a divine law. This shows the belief that God seemed to control every part of human life. An example of Paganism is when Beowulf says to Hrothgar, “Sorrow not, wise warrior.
It is better for a man to avenge his friend than much mourn.”(45) Beowulf says this to
Hrothgar after the loss of Aeschere. He basically tells him that he must remember the importance Germanic Heroic Code which relates with an act of revenge, a value held close to the Pagans. "His warshirt, handfashioned, broad and wellworked, was to explore the mere: it knew how to cover his bodycave so that foe's grip might