Essay on Beowulf is a Christian Poem - 1371 Words

The epic poem Beowulf, was written sometime in the eighth century by an unknown author. It was based on legend passed down over time. Prior to the time the poem was written, Anglo Saxons had converted from Germanic Paganism to Christianity. Some people argue that it was a Pagan poem rewritten by a person or persons educated in Christianity. â€Å" has come down from heathen times and acquired its Christian character gradually and piecemeal from a succession of minstrels.† ( Hector Monro Chadwick as quoted by Brodeur 182), while others believed that Christianity and Paganism both belonged in the poem. â€Å"almost without exception so deeply ingrained in the very fabric of the poem that they cannot be explained away as the work of a reviser or†¦show more content†¦The poet used Christianity and paganism as a tool for his poem. â€Å"It is through such a blending that there was available to a poet who set out to write a poem,†¦. on a scale and plan unlike a minstrel’s lay, both new faith and new learning (or education), and also a body of native tradition (itself requiring to be learned) for the changed mind to contemplate together. The native ‘learning’ cannot be denied in the case of Beowulf.† (Tolkien 26). The character Beowulf embodied the Pagan heroic code (comitatus), but he also exhibited Christian values. Overall, he was a warrior and a hero who sought fame and reputation. Most of his actions were motivated by his desire to be remembered after his death as a courageous and loyal warrior. When Beowulf hears about Hrothgar’s trouble he goes to help him. He wants to help him for a few reasons, all of which relate to the comitatus. He wants to acquire fame and he wants lifelong honor. By beating Grendel he would receive honor and his reputation would be enhanced. Also, Beowulf wants to repay Hrothgar for settling a feud for his father years before. Beowulf is willing to do battle for the old king even though it means that he could die. When Boewulf faces off against Grendel’s mother, and later when he fights the dragon it is revenge that he is after. â€Å"The Pagan and the Christian elements that combine in the person of Beowulf complement, rather than oppose, one another. 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