Blend of Paganism and Christianity in Beowulf Essay

Christian Elements in Beowulf

Blending Pagan and Christian Themes in Beowulf

The epic poem Beowulf was written during a time of great change. Ancient pagan societies were going through extreme religious and cultural transitions with the widespread adoption of Christianity throughout Europe at the time. This was definitely a changing way of life for many, and such drastic cultural changes are seen in the literature of the period as well. In fact, one of the earliest English poems, Beowulf, has an interesting juxtaposition of ancient pagan and Christian themes. Although the poem has obvious references to an ancient pagan way of life, it is filled with Christian references as well, illustrating the changing nature of society at the time when it was transitioning from paganism to Christianity. Clearly, the epic poem Beowulf blends emerging Christian philosophies with more ancient pagan traditions of the region.

Fate, also referenced as wyrd in the poem, is indicative of the poem's pagan roots. Fate was important in pagan mythology, stemming back to ancient Greek and Latin traditions. This dependence on fate as a deciding factor in men's lives demonstrates the pagan influences in the poem. When describing the carnage that was about to happen with Grendel's entry into the great hall, the author writes that the men, "they were unaware of the fate which was in store for some of them." This concept of fate is brought up throughout the epic poem. It resurfaces again at the very end when Beowulf faces his very last fight against the incoming dragon. Despite warnings from his friends and the plight of his old age, Beowulf asserts that "fate, the master of us all, must decide this issue." Clearly, this important role placed on fate is a clear tie to the ancient pagan traditions of the region which relied heavily on the notion of fate and destiny as part of a predestinated plan.

Blood vengeance is another major pagan motif that tends to contrast the image of Christian forgiveness.In pagan traditions, vengeance and avenging the deaths of loved ones was very important, whereas Christian ideology tends to favor forgiveness in the notion that God will eventually be the only one to judge us for our sins. Yet, Beowulf is dripping in allusions of this ancient pagan need for vengeance. This goes against the Christian teachings of forgiveness and non-violence. Clearly, the characters of Beowulf believed that it was better "for a man to avenge his friend than grieve him long." Without a man's friends and family trying to avenge his honor, his death seems to be in vain.

Another element of pagan culture is the quest for fame and glory, which is traditionally rejected in most Christian themes. Beowulf wants to be a legend, because that is a way for him to achieve a certain degree of immortality. This was a thing often sought out by a number of pagan cultures in the region that were heavily influenced by warrior traditions and pagan gods that embraced glory and fame on the battlefield. Here, the author writes: "let him who can win fame before death, because that is a dead man's best memorial." In Christian ideology, humility is more desired than ambition or pride. Yet, Beowulf clearly is a prideful king. Even in the very beginning of his adventures, he desires fame and glory and achieves it. This is reminiscent of the desire for warriors to find glory in a pagan warrior culture. It was better for the warrior to "either perform some heroic feat, or breathe [his] last in [the] banqueting hall." This self glorious desire is very much a pagan motif.

Still, this concept of pagan glory is attached to newly acquired Christian reference for the one God. One of the other most obvious Christian elements is the consistent references to the one God. In many ways this constant referencing to a….....