Mythologies 2/19/14 Long essay 1 Christianity and Fatalism in Beowulf The Old English Epic Beowulf is thought to be the first substantial work of Anglo-Saxon literature‚ and consequently one of the most important works of the time period. Written between the eighth and the eleventh century‚ Beowulf represents a time where Christian beliefs and pagan ideals were still relatively intermingled. Though the epic was written by a Christian author for a Christian audience‚ Beowulf takes place during the sixth
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Christianity and Paganism in Beowulf Beowulf was written in the time when the society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. In this epic poem‚ these two religions come through the actions of its characters. The acceptance of feuds and the courage of war are just a few examples of the Pagan tradition‚ while the Christian mortalities refrain from the two. Beowulf is torn between his Christian heart to help the people as well as the selfish reward of Paganism. Though
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The definition of Christianity explains religion taken from Jesus Christ‚ based on the Bible as sacred scripture‚ and professed by Eastern‚ Roman Catholic‚ and Protestant bodies. On the other hand Paganism means it’s religion that praises many gods or goddesses‚ considering the earth as holy‚ and does not have a central authority. The Anglo- Saxons is a mixture of both paganism and Christian rituals. Beowulf accommodates indications of both pagan and Christianity. Beowulf also reflects Christian
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Pagan Rituals vs. Christianity in Old English Literature In early English literature‚ writers began to incorporate both pagan ideas along with Christian beliefs. In pagan culture people believed and found comfort in warriors as heroes‚ battles with blood and gore‚ and revenge for wrong doings. Christian qualities included loyalty‚ sympathy‚ and sacrifice for the good of others. In the following paragraphs I will describe how the two concepts merged to create some of history’s most admired
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Beowulf takes place during the period of time in which the Anglo-Saxons began to convert from Paganism to Christianity. Due to this major change there is controversy on whether or not Beowulf himself identifies as a Pagan or Christian. However‚ Beowulf does express the beliefs of both. Unlike the Pagans‚ he expresses love for his people‚ but also demonstrates his capabilities of being a fierce warrior. Throughout the poem‚ he displays that both Paganism and Christianity influence his values such
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The European epic‚ Beowulf‚ was written sometime in the eighth century in England. This time period provides us with an idea for the mixture of Christian and pagan elements because of an English society that was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. Examples of Pagan and Christian traditions are presented all throughout literature. Many of the influences deal with what it going on in the world‚ when the piece is written. When Beowulf was written‚ St. Augustine had just come
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Beowulf Analysis Beowulf is an old English poem‚ it emerged as an oral legend then it was written down during the Anglo-Saxon period. It was greatly influenced by the Germanic invasion and the separation of the Roman Empire. Therefore‚ Germanic pagan and pre-Christian culture were shown in the stories. Through Beowulf‚ it is clear to see that Germanic society emphasizes courage‚ loyalty‚ generosity‚ and strong individual reputations; secondly‚ the differences and similarities between Germanic culture
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Beowulf: Link Between Traditions - Pagan and Christian "Beowulf" is a link between two traditions‚ Pagan and the Christian. The virtues of courage in war and the acceptance of feuds between men and countries as a fact of life stem from the older Pagan tradition. On the other hand Christianity’s moralities are based meekness and poverty. "Beowulf" brings this two convictions together through the actions of the characters. Even though Beowulf possesses spiritual strength‚ he isn’t
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Pagan vs. Christian The holy Catholic Religion had a drastic Christian like impact on the barbarian‚ Viking Pagans of the Anglo-Saxon Age in England (Elements of Literature 11). The Catholics evolved the aggressive Pagan Vikings into a peaceful society (Williams). Also‚ the Catholics substituted their warlike religion and after-life to a more holy and Christian like religion (Chaney 197-217). Along with the altering of the Pagan society and religion‚ the Catholics also transformed the Pagans
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sacrificed‚ his life. Beowulf demonstrates these characteristics‚ as well as others‚ that classify him as a hero‚ but during a period of Christian transformation throughout all of Europe‚ many literary critics interpreted Beowulf as being a flawed hero who suffered from many sins. However‚ contrary to popular belief‚ Beowulf represents an ideal example of Germanic warrior ethic and was not intended to symbolize the Christian God or Jesus Christ. During the period when Beowulf was written‚ Europe
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