Christian Religion In Beowulf

When Beowulf was written, Pagan rituals, ideas and deities influenced it, but Christianity also had an effect on the poem. Beowulf is a reflection of many Anglo-Saxon ideals and concepts. It was written after the Anglo-Saxons were already Christianized. To understand the fusion of Christian ideas and pagan-heroic characteristics, the development of religion in Britain must first be considered. Originally dominated by the Celtic faith, Britain’s belief structure experienced a significant change with the conquest of the Anglo-Saxons and their Germanic paganism. Britain was gradually converted to Christianity. The Anglo-Saxons Christianization began in the year 597. In the 1st Century AD, Britain had its own set of religious icons: “Pagan gods

The two societies seem that they have converted to the Christian faith. Both Hrothgar and Beowulf acknowledge the power of God in various situations. Hrothgar told Beowulf “My household guard are on the wane, fate sweeps them away into Grendel’s clutches - but God can easily halt these raids and harrowing attacks (476-479)!” Christian vocabulary can be found in some parts of the poem. Pagan customs were also portrayed throughout the poem. The Danes and the Geats practice crematory rituals that can be seen in the funeral fires of Beowulf. The Geats built a pyre for Beowulf, with helmets, heavy war-shields and shining armor hung around it. Beowulf depended on the qualities God has given him, which are his physical abilities and powers. He was mindful of his strength, which were the gifts God gave him. In the relation of his fights, Beowulf always acknowledges the powerful influence of God. Beowulf admits himself that he could never have defeated Grendel’s mother without the aid of God. “If God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal (1657-1659).” Beowulf also said, “The wise man thought he must have thwarted ancient ordinance of the eternal Lord, broken his commandment

When Beowulf prepared to face the wrath of the dragon he was joined by twelve men, just like the twelve apostles, and was betrayed by one, which was Wiglaf. Although strength and heroism may not be connected to Christian virtues, the author attributes both of these to God through the speech of his characters. Hrothgar states that Beowulf's killing of Grendel was achieved with the help of God; “First and foremost, let the Almighty Father be thanked for this sight (927-929). The Heavenly Shepherd can work His wonders always and everywhere (929-930).” This links Beowulf's power and fame back to God, and settles a pagan concept to Christianity. The poem features various monsters for Beowulf to defeat, Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the dragon. Monsters would generally be regarded as part of a pagan cult, but the Old Testament accepts note to similar demons. Beowulf exhibits different pagan concepts such as “wyrd” which play a role in the narrative. However they can be tied in with the elements of Christianity. The mix of Anglo-Saxon Paganism and Christianity shows that the epic has an action-packed plot line. It was done to show the way in which both pagan concepts and Christianity were interrelated. Without the fusion of religions, we wouldn’t experience how epic the poem