Belief systems are an integral part of not only culture, but also self-image. This becomes evident in Beowulf, with both the overall story and the individual characters. Christianity and paganism vie for control of all aspects of Beowulf, just as they did with the Germanic tribes a century earlier. Although much is known about the history of the time is documented, the story is shrouded in mystery. The author and even the date it was written are educated estimates at best. There is thought to be one author who adapted an oral tradition. Understanding both the religious references in Beowulf and the changing religious climate of Anglo-Saxon England begins in the history of the epic. As aforementioned, the author of the epic is unknown as is the exact time it was …show more content…
As stated in the Glossary of Names, another spelling of Higlac is ‘Hygelac,’ who was a king between 400 and 500 B.C.E. (Raffel 134). At this time, the Ostrogoths were fighting the Franks for control of Gaul. Hygelac’s involvement with these warring people started with Theodoric the Great, the king of the Ostrogoths during the late 5th century and the early 6th century. Using marriage contracts with the Franks, Theodoric hoped to widen his influence and put off the impending war. It was working well until he married his daughter, Ariagne, to Sigismund, the Burgundian king, in 493 B.C.E. After they had a son, Ariagne died and Sidismund remarried. This caused a conflict with his son who did not approve. During a particularly bad fight about his new wife, Sigimund killed his son. Theodoric was outraged. Although the Ostrogoths were pledged to protect the Burgundians through a marriage contract, Theodoric had no intention of actually doing so. When the Franks moved against them, Theodoric made a deal with the Franks instead of protecting the Burgundians. Afterwards, Theodoric bribed Hygelac, the king of the Geats, to attack the Franks from the