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Beowulf Religion Essay

2023 Words9 Pages

In historical texts, the use of religion can often be an inclination to the period of the creation of that work. However, some remain wholly ambiguous under this kind of lens. "Beowulf" is a foundational tale for the English language and was originally written in the Anglo-Saxon era. However, where the story originated has remained in question for quite some time. Many hypothesize that the story originates from an era long before it was written down for the first time. It is believed that the story had been passed down orally for many generations before appearing in print. The epic tale encompasses heroism in a world of medieval monsters, dragons, and heroes. Set in Scandinavia, the poem explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle …show more content…

Throughout Beowulf's journey, he encounters three monsters in which he must battle. The first is Grendel, who Beowulf crossed the sea to the land of the Danes to fight to clear the country of his destruction. After his defeat of Grendel, he then journeys into a deep cave and battles Grendel's mother, returning with the head of Grendel. Upon his return to his homeland following his triumph, Beowulf is made king and rules for some 50 years. To understand the depiction of these fabled monsters, the specific diction within the text illuminates the poet's use of pagan folklore. The first monster, Grendel, is described as using the words: "evil," "demonic," and "ravenous" (49). As Grendel attacks, he disrupts the social order and harmony of society, thus causing chaos. In pagan beliefs, such chaotic forces can symbolize the primordial aspects of nature that must be confronted and subdued by heroic action. The heroic action is, of course, Beowulf's defeat of Grendel. Using diction that depicts a monstrous appearance and associations with darkness and chaos ties back into paganism

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