Christianity in Beowulf’s society seems to be more of a state-of-mind than a part of the totality of one’s existence. It has been studied by scholars, students, and teachers ever since. The poet introduces Christian doctrine very early in the poem, when Hrothgar and his noble Danes are desperate to rid themselves of the monster Grendel. Another Christianity Element discussed in the Beowulf is Beowulf heroism, how he uses God through all of his battles. Sometimes he allows the mind of a man of distinguished birth to follow its bent, grants him fulfillment and felicity on earth and forts to command in his own country. He knew what they had tholed, the long times and troubles they’d come through without a leader; so the Lord of Life, the glorious Almighty, made this man renowned. In the character of the hero Beowulf we find an imperfect allusion to the character of Christ. J.R.R. Near the end of the poem the poet reveals that, because of an ancient spell, Beowulf would have been condemned to hell if he had not named God as the source of the treasure. It is the first time that Grendel (evil) realizes he may not prevail over Beowulf (good). The truth is clear: Almighty God rules over mankind and always has. “If God had not helped me, the result would have been quick and fatal.” A value that conflicts with a theme which comes up in the story multiple times is Beowulf’s pride. Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgement by God. Beowulf. #2: “In the time I was given I lived in my own land, ruling my people well, never turning to treachery, or swearing to oaths contrary to right. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Oh, cursed is he who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul in the fire’s embrace, forfeiting help; he has nowhere to turn. Tolkien argued that while Christianity gave the heroes a new point upon which to focus, the enemies of the heathen gods remained, too, the enemies of the Christian God. Beowulf is one of the most famous English epics (a poem or story based off oral tradition), lost throughout the ages and was rediscovered in 1800’s. Before the battle against Grendel, Beowulf says in lines 174-175: “God must decide/Who will be given to death’s cold grip. His redeeming factor lies in his acceptance of blame. Depicted on the hilt is the story of the Christian God punishing evil forces in the world. It was engraved all over and showed how war first came into the world and the flood destroyed the tribe of giants. Below you will find the important quotes in Beowulf related to the theme of Christianity and Paganism. It is a great wonder how Almighty God in His magnificence favors our race with rank and scope and the gift of wisdom; His sway is wide. Beowulf, by challenging all that is spawned in Hell, has, by default, become the ally of all that destined to Heaven... (essay by Bradley J. Birzer) On the one hand Beowulf is reminded that pride will bring destruction: "until his portion of pride increases and flourishes within him; then the watcher sleeps, the souls guardian; that sleep is too sound, bound in its own cares" (5.9). Christianity for the English. What is visual communication and why it matters; Nov. 20, 2020. Religion is a touchy issue in Beowulf, because the story is told in late medieval Anglo-Saxon Britain, which has been Christianized, but it's about early medieval Scandinavia, which is pagan. Grendel Attacks (Lines 86–193) Quotes Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend This conversion from paganism to Christianity … Beowulf is speaking these words as he nears the end of his life, after he has defeated the fiery dragon who guarded an ancient hoard of treasure. The Almighty Judge of good deeds and bad, the Lord God, Head of the Heavens and High King of the World, was unknown to them. Unlike many stories, Beowulf does not only coincide with one religion. Such then was their custom, the hope of heathens; in their hearts They bore hell, they knew not the Creator, the Judge of all deeds—neither acknowledged the Lord, nor knew how to praise the Protector of Heaven, the Ruler of Glory. So, even he dies soon thereafter, he dies as a virtuous man loved by God and can be remembered and praised. Grendel was the name of this grim demon Haunting the marches, marauding round the heath And the desolate fens; he had dwelt for a time In misery among the banished monsters, Cain’s clan, whom the creator had outlawed And condemned as outcasts. Hrothgar has already lavished praise and treasure on the hero and claimed him as a son. 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. Lines 102-114: The demon Grendel, who represents the ultimate evil in medieval Scandanavian culture, is the descendant of Cain, the man who killed his brother. The best quotes from Beowulf - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! It is taught in classes and read for fun. When Beowulf battles Grendel, he exhibits a sense of fairness when he refuses to use a weapon. Lines 440-441: A constant theme throughout Beowulf, death comes to all at whatever moment God decides and there is nothing man can to do avoid this fate. Nov. 21, 2020. One of the interesting aspects of Beowulf is the religion that is involved. The idea throughout the poem of living right, of loyalty, and of being a good leader can all be seen as traits of Christ. The custom to which the poet refers is praying for help in heathen temples. These were hard times, heart-breaking the prince of the Shieldings; powerful counsellors, the highest in the land, would lend advice, plotting how best the bold defenders might resist and beat off sudden attacks. But blessed is he who after death can approach the Lord and find friendship in the Father’s embrace. However, paganism still lurks in the Anglo-Saxon culture of feuds and practical fatalism. Beowulf represents a complex blend of Christianity and paganism for a purpose: it reminds us of the hopelessness of humanity to solve its problems by itself. Beowulf is well aware how great he is as he boasts about himself and flaunts it around many times. Appear in the couplet, Beowulf himself, is accepted at the same time as a Christian liberator; but, a little of his actions proves to he has pagan area headed for. Blog. Before the advent of Christianity, paganism placed an emphasis on wyrd. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute. Lines 1724-1731: The fate of every person is ordained by God, including that of kings. Afterwards a boy-child was sent to Shield, a cub in the yard, a comfort sent by God to that nation. Among them all, the main character Beowulf showed the most indecisiveness. Beowulf Christian vs. Pagan God vs Fate What Christians believe... Christians believe in God's will and that he has a plan for everyone and people can choose to follow him and live by him . Some may. That was their way, their heathenish hope; deep in their hearts they remembered hell. Readers of Beowulf are now in apparent agreement that the frequent Christian references in the poem fit easily and naturally into their contexts and give every sign of being simply an unconscious part of the normal language and thought of the poet. Hrothgar’s words of praise suggest his confidence that his own rulership and inherited lands are signs of God’s favor. The classic epic tale Beowulf is a masterpiece that stands out in the literature of the past. Lines 12-17: The poet attributes the feats of great men to God’s favor and the divine plan. Then down the brave man lay with his bolster under his head and his whole company of sea-rovers at rest beside him. Lines 582-590: Beowulf challenges the cowardly Unferth who is afraid to stand up for his lord against Grendel. Lines 2327-2331: Beowulf believes his downfall is a punishment for breaking God’s law. Gratitude in the workplace: How gratitude can improve your well-being and relationships Many characters in the poem struggle to define their religion at the time because Christianity was recently introduced in their Anglo-Saxon communities. For the killing of Abel The Eternal Lord exacted a price: Cain got no good from committing that murder Because the Almighty made him anathema And out of the curse of his exile there sprang Ogres and elves and evil phantoms And the giants too, who strove with God Time and again until He gave them their reward. Beowulf was written in England in the late 1st millennium. Read More. They knew too well the way it was before, how often the Danes had fallen prey to death in the mead-hall. Just as Beowulf exemplifies Christ, Grendel mirrors Satan. Beowulf Quotes Showing 1-30 of 38 “It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning. Christianity vs. Paganism in Beowulf The heroic poem, Beowulf, is a reflection of many Anglo-Saxon ideals and concepts. During this period, Anglo-Saxons were Christians, but they hadn't been for very long. …
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