Christianity & Paganism in Beowulf :: Epic of Beowulf Essays

Beowulf was written in the time when the society was in the process of converting from Paganism to Christianity. In this epic poem, these two religions come with the actions of its characters. The acceptance of feuds and the courage of war are just a a couple of(prenominal) examples of the Pagan tradition, while the Christian mortalities refrain from the two. Beowulf is torn between his Christian heart to servicing the people as well as the selfish reward of Paganism. Though he wants the Christians respect he thrives for the satisfaction of shifting. Beowulf is known as a hero and in that flavor he believes he should be the one to defeat Grendel. Beowulf despises weapons but relies on his strength. This is just one of umpteen battles that suggest Beowulf was a Pagonist. He likewise would drink and tended to kill people and creatures, which also leads to the speculations of Paganism. Even though many Pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian influences override them. An ex ample would be when Beowulf protected the Danes from Grendel. He also expressed a fair positioning towards battles when he refused to use a weapon. The idea of loyalty, a hero, and a sponsor are all signs of Christianity. Beowulf could be seen as Christ when trying to help the people as Grendel could be compared to Satan who tries to destroy happiness and well-doing.The hold battle in Beowulf was against the fierce genus Draco that could also be maxim as the power of Satan. During this battle Beowulf chooses to use a weapon because of the dragons deadly venom, it would only be fair. It was a hard fight but Beowulf wasnt capable of defeating the dragon. This battle could be compared to the will of Christ, in which Christ gave his life for the people, while Beowulf did the same. The dragon now represents the evil a man must fight in order to preserve the practiced in life. Although Beowulf was defeated, it was not shamelessly, just like Christ he saved the people. Beowulf had a good heart but was sometimes overturned by the bad influences in life. He represents the fact that everyone makes mistakes, you cant be perfect all the time, everyones bound to lose.Grendel was a very abominable and disturbed creature.