“He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favour…Most often He has guided the man without friends” (Heaney 1272-73). Beowulf, Old English, Anglo-Saxon poetry, translated by Seamus Heaney, a distinguished poem that is rich in a fusion of vivid Christian allusions, Christian philosophy; and pagan-heroic meaning. The Pagan-heroic theme / Christian philosophy is the context for Beowulf. In the poem there is direct conflict, at times, between the pagan-heroic and Christian philosophy, such as, selfish pride and vengenance versus humility, and sacrifice versus selfishness. “There is no mention of Jesus in Beowulf…references to God are based on the Old Testament” (Skill 3), of the Bible. Beowulf is a distinguished poem influenced by …show more content…
The narrator open the poem describing King Shield Sheafon’s death and the birth of Beowulf. “A boy-child was born… a comfort sent by God to that nation…The Lord of life, the glorious Almighty made this man renowned” (Heaney 10-19). Beowulf’s birth is a gift from God; like the divine birth and early life of Jesus. Beowulf is renowned, not only as the son of God; but also for his courage and strength, good deeds and prudence, and his dedication to God’s will. Beowulf survives through the grace and protection of God. There is a strong sense of a mystical aura that surrounds Beowulf in all of his battles; especially his death- defying battle with Grendel’s mother; and his last battle, with the fire-breathing …show more content…
He must battle one more demon. A fire-breathing dragon that terrorizes the countryside at night, burning homes; including Beowulf’s. His final quest is driven by vengeance. The burning of his home causes him to seek his own revenge by pursuing the dragon. Revenge and vengeance are referred to; and is a way of life-and death-of the Germanic Code. Beowulf proclaims, “…it is always better to avenge…then to indulge in morning…Let whoever win glory before death” (Heaney 1384-88). Do not grieve, it is always better to a avenge misdeeds. Beowulf and eleven of his best, most trusted warriors pursues; and finds the dragon. He leads the charge, and he is mortally wounded. Beowulf is about, “…to reach the end of his seafaring days / his life in this world, together with the serpent” (Heaney 242-43). Wounded and burned, the great old warrior needs help, but in his greatest hour of need, “No help or backing was to be had from his high-born comrades; that hand-picked troops broke ranks and ran for their lives” (Heaney 2596-99); like Jesus’ Disciples abandoned him, fleeing to safety in the woods. Only Wiglaf, a young youth that entered the battle with his Lord stayed by his side, “…with the whole of your strength…I shall stand by you…” (Heaney 2668). As Beowulf is dying, he speaks, “To the everlasting Lord of