Christianity in Beowulf Beowulf is an epic narrative poem that demonstrates many of the Anglo-Saxon ideals. Their pagan traditions are reflected in this narrative and the work is peppered with references to both Christianity and paganism. Marrying pagan themes with Christian concepts is successfully achieved in Beowulf, making it a reflection of the times then when pagan practices coincided with Christianity in many respects. To illustrate this, we find that the concept of fame is elucidate well in the work since the concept of fame to Beowulf and the other characters in the story is a much sought-after thing. For them, fame connotes accomplishment, achievement and heroism. Even Beowulf states with firmness “let him who can win fame before death, because that is a dead man’s best memorial” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p.
60).
He not only tells this haphazardly, but commits to doing it himself as he continues that he will “either perform some heroic feat, or breathe his last in the banqueting hall” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 41).
This is not an exaggeration but a firm resolve to pursue a heroic feat or else he dies in the attempt to achieve it. He is able to do this because he shows his prowess as he kills Grendel in the process. This is validated by what Hrothgar says to Beowulf that “by his exploits he has established fame forever” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 49).
Yet, as this all dwells on fame which is attributable to ones own skill, the author also refers to Christian concepts where Hrothgar affirms that Beowulf was able to kill Grendel “through the power of the Lord” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 49).
The Essay on Beowulf, Discuss the Concept of an Epic Hero
What is an epic hero? An epic hero is the main character of an epic, a long, narrative poem that relates the deeds of a superhuman hero (the epic hero) who embodies the values of a particular society. The Anglo-Saxon idea of an epic hero can be seen in the story of Beowulf. Beowulf possesses many of the traditional qualities of an epic hero. Beowulf tells of one of his deeds while talking to ...
If this is a reconciliation of the Christian concept to the pagan fame idea, then the author is able to tie it up well along this line. Talking about it side by side seemed to be a natural thing for the author. Another instance of this reconciliation of pagan and Christian concepts is in the area of fate. This is referenced in the concept of death and greatness. The characters seem to be at the mercy of the fate that is upon them as the author posits that “they were unaware of the fate which was in store for some of them” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 56).
But even as he writes this, the Christian concept of fate is placed side by side when Beowulf talks about his battle with the dragon that “fate, the master of us all, must decide this issue” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 86).
It is therefore evident that these two concepts are intertwined in the text, demonstrating the belief of the author about reliance on ones self and on God. Again this is seen during the defeat of Grendel when Hrothgar wishes that “God rewards Beowulf with good fortune, as He has done up until now” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 56).
Yet, Beowulf also remarks that “whichever of them is killed must resign himself to the verdict of God” and that “fate must decide” (Beowulf, Wright ed., p. 37), a perfect demonstration of the two concepts integration within the text.
Works Cited Beowulf, Plot Summary. Bookrags. http://www.bookrags.com/notes/beo/SUM.htm Smith, Lacey Baldwin and Smith, Jean Reeder. The Past Speaks, 2nd edition. Lexington: D.C. Heath and Company, 1993.
Wright, David, trans. Beowulf. New York: Penguin Books, 1957..
