Examples Of Paganism In Beowulf

During the mid sixth century in Scandinavia, most nobles and commoners still followed the Pagan practices of worshiping old Norse gods, but many who traveled to battle in other countries discovered the glory of God in a new Christian Religion. The ancient story of Beowulf is often told as a religious allegory following the conversion of Paganism to Christianity. The storyline can be translated to follow religious themes as the monster, Grendel, is often portrayed as a hate-filled, sinful demon and Beowulf, who fights Grendel, demonstrates God-glorifying faith as told by the Bible. However, as Beowulf attempts to convert his acts to the new Christian ways, he continuously appears to fall back to his Pagan roots when he justifies his coming to

Beowulf originally comes to the king’s gates asking for nothing in exchange for his deeds, yet returns home with a battle trophy. The guard at the entrance of Hrothgar’s kingdom asks who these men are. They answered, “We are Geats… / And we have come seeking / Your prince, Healfdane’s son, protector / Of his people, only in friendship… / [to] end the evils / Afflicting your wise and famous Lord.”(173, 179-181, 193-194) The guard is taken aback as most armies come as pirates and raiders in search of the king’s gold, yet beowulf is steady in his assurance that they are there only out of the kindness of their hearts, expecting no reward, to destroy the monster that has ransacked their kingdom. Yet after the long battle against Grendel and his mother, Beowulf appears in the king’s mead hall boasting his new trophy, showing off his materialistic ideals: “Then the Geats’ brave prince entered / Herot, covered with glory of the daring / battles he had fought; he sought Hrothgar / To salute him and show Grendel’s head. / He carried that terrible trophy by the hair.” (615-619) God-glorifying warriors would not exit a battle holding a trophy, rather thanks for their victory. One of the most reiterated concepts of Christianity involves the practice of kindness toward others no matter what, and to help those in need with no prize involved. Beowulf and his 14-man army enter Hrothgar’s kingdom and attempt to start their walk through Christian faith.

As he is no match for the dragon, he is killed by its fierceness. “I thank / Our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth– / For all of this, that His grace has given me,”(816-818). In his last breath, Beowulf thanks God for his life and his victory but highlights the importance of his worldly treasures and is later buried with his gold and jewels. To glorify Beowulf–rather than God–“The Geats built the tower, as Beowulf / Had asked… / The treasures they’d taken were left there, too.”(843-844, 852) A warrior full of self-arrogance would only want the treasures to be buried with him. Converting back to his Pagan ways was one way to give the people the reassurance of an arrogant king. Periodically Beowulf thanks God for everything he has given to him: the strength, power, and leadership that he’s embodied in his life. Through continuously thanking God for his victories and life, he returns to his Pagan ways by wanting them to build a beautiful tower with his ashes spread in the walls, and to always tell people about what Beowulf did in his life. This shows that he wanted people to think he’s this amazing leader because of what he did and not because of the gifts that God has given him. Beowulf faced many different trials and tribulations during this time of life. With the courage and strength given to him, he was able to overcome any challenge or roadblock that stood in the way. He didn’t always realize it, but with the help of