Beowulf displays both pagan/Germanic/Norse and Christian elements, which classifies it as either sort of epic. This is because it was written and translated during an era where society was converting from paganism to Christianity. Different lands, characters, and themes are based on either the pagan folklore or Christianity. This can easily explain how the epic could have at one time been pagan/Germanic/Norse and through the years been converted to being also considered Christian.
There are many theories explaining how Beowulf became a Christian epic as well as a pagan one. Beowulf is set in the seventh or eighth century, and Christianity wasn’t introduced to Sweden until four centuries later. One theory is that of Robert P. Creed. He declares that it was a Christian singer who told the story of Beowulf, making it a Christian epic. This proves that the characters and motives could not possibly be Christian based. Beowulf did not truly become a Christian epic until interpreted centuries later by Burton Raffel, whom added the Christianity aspects. This is notably referred to as “Christian coloring.”
The main character in this epic is the courageous, superhuman Beowulf. Our hero saves the day repeatedly and practices Christian ethics while speaking of the blessings from God. Beowulf’s reason for coming to the Dane’s rescue fighting Grendel was solely the will of God. He also decides to fight the monster single handedly, exclaiming, “Let God in His wisdom extend His hand where He wills, reward whom He chooses!” (E.10, Pg. 44) Following his battle with Grendel is the underwater encounter with Grendel’s mother, whom seeks revenge. A giant sword appears on the wall of the cave, blessed by God, and Beowulf uses it to kill the evil monster. Even though Beowulf constantly refers to his devotion to God, one must question his faith when he contradicts Christianity with his arrogance and belief in fate.
The Essay on Beowulf- Christian or Pagan?
... asked for a pagan burial. Even though Beowulf can be both pagan or Christian, one must override the other. Beowulf is a Christian epic, Christianity overrides Paganism, for ... -Christian then it is a pagan story. Also, pagans believe in myths. Since, Christians believe in one God and truth, then the pagans believe in many gods ...
Many characters from the epic still demonstrate pagan characteristics though, including the monsters and Danes. The monsters have snakelike qualities, the absolute symbolism of the devil. Grendel’s mother and wave roamers live in the boiling bloody lake, the setting of hell. The Danes turn to the devil and worship stone idols, when in search of help against Grendel. Other subject matters such as fate, cremation, revenge, and superhuman powers, fall under the Germanic/Norse ways as well.
In addition to Beowulf, there are some Christian characters and other hints of a Christian author. For example Hrothgar, king of the Danes, is a Christian. One obvious indication is the fact that God protects his throne. Then he also shows his dismay when discovering that his soldiers were practicing pagan traditions. Beowulf’s soldiers, the Geat warriors, also prove to have the same faith. After traveling to the land of the Danes they looked to the heavens and express their faithfulness, “And then they gave thanks to God for their easy crossing.” (E. 3, Pg. 30) Their unselfish bravery and other valuable attributes also demonstrate Christian ethics. Grendel and his mother are said to be descendents of Cain, a character from the Bible known for the murder of his brother and mark of evil. But as stated before, it is impossible for any of these characters to be Christian though, or for the story to realistically contain any traces of Christianity.
There are many reasons Beowulf can be considered both a pagan/ Norse/ Germanic epic or a Christian one. God is referred to throughout the poem, along with pagan subjects. It adds color and passion to the story, giving it insight into the characters and motives for the actions. Beowulf is a classic partly because of the richness the religious elements add to it.
