Beowulf: Telling Others Who God Is
Beowulf is an epic poem written by an unknown author in 8th century England. Set in Scandinavia, this saga has its roots in pagan tradition. This well-known Old English work tells the fictional story of Beowulf, a hero who must defeat three monsters. Throughout Beowulf the characters and narrator give credit to God for victories, Beowulf’s fabled strength, and man’s existence. Although some pagan themes are expressed in Beowulf, its original author possessed a knowledge of God. The author clearly recognized that God created the world and reigns over everything in it. The author relates that the Almighty had made the earth a gleaming plain girdled with waters; in His splendour He set the sun and moon to be earth’s lamplight, lanterns for men, and filled the broad lap of the world with branches and leaves; and quickened life in every other thing that moved. (92-98)
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The author expressed that “past and present, God’s will always prevails,” and “Almighty God rules over mankind and always has.” Another revealing item that solidifies the evidence for the poet’s knowledge of God is how God is referenced in Beowulf. The author calls Him the “Lord of Life”, “Creator”, and “Head of the Heavens and High King of the World”. These names, along with certain passages, reveal the author’s belief that God rules over His creation and kingdom: the