Beowulf is a predominately Christian epic that was written most likely by Christian monks who, at the time, were the only people who knew how to write, thus creating the first manuscript of the epic. There are many ideas or hypotheses concerning the topic of paganism and Christianity in the epic, but it can best be described by Charles Moorman who concluded “for just as the Christianity of the poem is best conceived of as a surface coloration, so its paganism is the very hue of the material from which it is made”(Moorman 6). Moorman is venturing to make the point that without understanding the original context of the poem without the “coloring” of it with Christianity, the entire essence of the poem can be missed without realizing it. However, …show more content…
A good reputation is shown as Hrothgar replied to Wulfgar saying, “ I am thinking that/ the Holy God, as a grace to us/ Danes in the West, has directed him here/ against Grendel’s oppression. This good man shall be/ offered treasures in return for his courage”(45.381-385). Also immortality is shown throughout as a reference to fame as a warrior and hero. Beowulf was speaking of being remembered after death by others reminiscing over his name when he said: “Bear your grief, wise one! It is better for a man/ to avenge his friend than to refresh his sorrow./ As we must all expect to leave/ our life on this earth, we must earn some renown,/ if we can, before death; daring is the thing/ for a fighting man to be remembered by” (68.1383-1388). Beowulf is telling the people that being a warrior who fought proudly and defeated the enemy is the way to being commemorated as a hero and be remembered on earth forever. Lastly, Beowulf practices what he preached earlier as he is dying in battle after the dragon has defeated him. He commented to Wiflaf through dying breath and pain that: “I would now wish to give my garments in battle/ to my own son, if any such/ after-inheritor, and heir of my body,/ had been granted to me. I guarded this people/ for half a century; not a single ruler/ of all the nations neighboring about/ has dared to affront me with his …show more content…
Grendel is seen as a monster and a descendant of Cain when it is said that, “The unhappy/ being had long lived in the land of monsters/ since the Creator cast them out/ as kindred of Cain. For that killing of Abel/ the eternal Lord took vengeance./ There was no joy of that feud: far from mankind/ God drove him out for his deed of shame!” (39.103-109). Grendel is seen here as a descendant of Cain because he has been killing Hrothgar’s people every night, taking thirty bodies each time, for twelve years. A Christian element is vastly shown here as a Biblical reference is directly related to the pagan element of Grendel seen as a monster. Also, a reference to monsters again, as well as, superhuman strength is shown during the battle with Grendel. The narrator explains that “The monster’s desire was for darkness between