Beowulf Essay: The Dream Of The Rood

The debacle, the war between good and evil, as defined by the author, begins with the telling of creation tales, as the Danes were “[t]elling with mastery of man’s beginnings” (91). Their creation tale is explained as glorious, supernatural, and blessed. Grendel, “whom the creator outlawed,” a seed of Cain, is deemed “a fiend out of hell” (106, 100). Based on context, it appears that Grendel may have at one point been on the “inside,” but because of a murderous act and sin, he is now known as an outsider. Later, the author seems to slightly divert his attention from the overall narrative, to a more direct address of specific actions of the Danes, their ungodly ways and “heathenish hope” (179). It’s not so much a rebuke as it is a warning. The author seems to make the parallel that their worship of false idols and following of pagan rituals instead of following God, led to the attacks from Grendel. This is apparent because the Danes controlled how the creation tale of Grendel is told, thus showing that in some ways they have the power to control Grendel’s destiny.

The tree has a soul, and is honored as a being, not just an object. This is consistent with the beliefs of the Pagan religion. Human emotion and actions are displayed through the tree, as it tells the narrative. Similarly, to Beowulf, the author of The Dream of the Rood, uses symbols of Paganism, and shows it in a new light, thus giving it a new meaning. The Tree, also viewed as a Tree of Life from the Pagan religion, is redefined as the instrument of death for the Jesus of Christianity who gives life. Simultaneously the tree feels some of the pain and emotions of Jesus, at the crucifixion. This is explicitly stated when the tree exclaims, “they mocked us both together” (3). This connection to the tree appeals to the connection with the Earth and nature that the pagan people