Beowulf A Mix of Pagan and Christian Beliefs Essay

How the Almighty had made the earth a gleaming plain girdled with waters; in His splendor He set the sun and the moon to be earths lamplight, lanterns for men and filled the broad lap of the world with branches and leaves; and quickened life in every other thing that moved.(Line 92) In this quote, the author describes how God made the earth and depicts reasons for him creating the sun and moon, saying that it acts like a lantern for men, lighting the earth. The author also describes how God gave life to everything else. The pagans were polytheists and never believed in one God, and if this is a pagan poem, then it was obviously rewritten. There is a part in the poem where the idea of repenting is brought up: Oh, cursed†¦show more content†¦/ Often, for undaunted courage, / fate spares the man it has not already marked. (Line 569) Beowulf is saying that God is watching over him, and him seeing the light is his way of saying he knows God is with him. In his reference of fate, he says that he would only die if it was his time to go, believing that if he was meant to die, he would have. God is even given praise for his help in defeating Grendel. Hrothgar describes Beowulfs actions as a gift of God and his mercy on him and his land: First and foremost, the Almighty Father be thanked for this sight. I suffered a long harrowing by Grendel. But the Heavenly Shepherd can work His wonders always and everywhere.(Line 927) He thanks God for him allowing the suffering to end, for Grendel to be beaten and ending the war between men and the monsters. The idea of fate is brought up again later on in the poem as well. In his battles he says that fate will decide who will win the b attle, in the fight with Grendel, his mother and as well as the Dragon: I wont shift a foot / when I meet the cave-guard: what occurs on the wall / between theShow MoreRelatedChristianity : The Rise Of Christianity1512 Words   |  7 PagesEuropean area, Paganism was a belief that was common among all people across Europe. Paganism involved polytheistic beliefs with ritualistic tradition and animal sacrifice. This belief was common in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, which is from where the epic poem Beowulf is thought to have originated circa 550 AD. Due to the origins of Beowulf being surrounded by Pagan tradition and culture and reliance on the method of oral recitation of the story, the poem holds Pagan influences. Examples of theseRead MorePaganism In Beowulf1411 Words   |  6 PagesPagan ideas and values were a large influence in the creation of Beowulf due to the period it was created in. 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