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How Does Christianity Play In Beowulf

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Recommended: Beowulf and its qualities

Nicholas Desmarais
Mrs.Altman
English 4
14 August 2023
“Beowulf”
Paganism and Christianity play a significant role in “Beowulf”. Within the story of Beowulf there are poems about demonic creatures that are living on earth harming people. This is a pagan belief. There is also talk of a single god. This is a christian belief. Throughout the story of Beowulf there are details that describe both religions. The poem “The Monster of Grendel” in “Beowulf” describes a monster who is named Grendel. Grendel is powerful and lives in the darkness. He brings about chaos all around him. This is an example of pagan beliefs. The poem mentions “Not hell but earth. He was spawned in that slime, Conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous …show more content…

There are many elements of the story that provide evidence of blood, death, sacredness, and a clash between two religions. There is a hell on earth theory throughout the story of beowulf. One example of this fusion is mentioned in an article called “Christian and pagan elements of Beowulf.” An excerpt from the article states “Finally, when we look at the wallpaper and see a red cross, we also see a cross between fighting for a Christian God and fighting for pagan vengeance. The blood of both Christ and vengeance combined on one cross together in a mead-hall of holy ground.” (paragraph 4 line 1-2) This shows us that Christ and paganism is developed throughout the entire story of …show more content…

There are many ideals such as sacrifice to many gods. There are also christian characteristics throughout the story. In an article called “ Christian and Pagan Symbols in Beowulf” there is an excerpt that states “It is a popular thought among the scientists that the Christian monks were rewriting the story, preserving the original plot turns, but toning down the Pagan symbols in "Beowulf", emphasizing instead such Christian virtues as selflessness, moderation and caring for others.” (paragraph 6) This shows us that although pagan beliefs dominate in the story there are ideals in the story that challenge the pagan belief and turn towards a christian perspective. All in all, throughout the story of “Beowulf” there are many beliefs that favor paganism and christianity both throughout the story. Both beliefs play a role in determining how effective the story is. This is a symbol of the time period in which religion was a key factor in determining how stories were expressed. The story is developed through thoughts that influence the story's meaning. This is why the beliefs that are chosen are crucial to the plot of the

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