This epic, however, is an undeniable example of the hybrid of Christian and Pagan imagery. In several parts throughout the story, Beowulf seems at odds between being a Christian, being chivalrous, and keeping Pagan traditions, and project plenty of examples of both values. Though he is Christian, he cannot, and does not seem to want to, deny the fundamental pagan values of the story. Although Beowulf most likely began as such a pagan epic, it eventually was expanded to include Christian elements, with some of the blame placed on the several different rewrites and interpretations over the cent...

• Word Count: 425
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Some historians believe that the poem was originally pagan and the Christian elements were incorporated at a later date. We may never know whether Beowulf was initially pagan or Christian. While the poem contains ideas pertaining to both pagan and Christian beliefs, it emphasizes more of the Christian elements. ... There is much emphasis on the Christian elements in Beowulf. ... This epic poem is a story that includes both pagan and Christian elements, but it emphasizes more of the Christian ideas. ...

• Word Count: 672
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the characters superhuman personifications. ... While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones dominate. ... Beside Christian elements, the poem has many Christian parallels. ... In conclusion, the author of Beowulf was very effective in combining pagan and Christian ideas in his poem. ... In mixing Christian and pagan ideas, the poet of Beowulf was able to emphasize the morals of his time and to enhance his characters with Christian values and pagan legends....

• Word Count: 1145
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

These authors were clearly part of the nations in the middle ages, who were rapidly changing from various Pagan traditions to the monotheistic religion of Christianity. ... The concepts of sin against God, and judgment of God upon his people, are also present, and decidedly Christian elements. ... It was written that Beowulf tore off Grendel's limb with his bare hands, and to credit this impossible action to God would require faith of Christian influenced authors. ... These are Christian beliefs. ... Because there are just as many non-Christian beliefs present, we can assume the a...

• Word Count: 751
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Consider it as an intentional theme or an incidental artifact of the poems authorship and composition, the tension between the pagan and Christian elements is an over whelming feature of Beowulf. ... It is apparent that the unknown author of the poem is an Anglo-Saxon Christian who wrote about a hero who lived in a period and culture where pagan worship prevailed. ... The Danes that Beowulf protects and helps express their belief and reliance upon God, but at the same time they practice pre-Christian rituals. ... The former sounds like a statement of Christian faith, and the latter, with its i...

• Word Count: 913
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

As well the many Germanic elements of Christianity and discuss the roles of women in Beowulf. ... But since all of these pagan kings were great warriors in their youth, the tension between these two important roles seems inevitable and ultimately irreconcilable. ... Though such verbal elements as boasts and stories are crucial to the warrior culture, heroes are, above all, defined by action. ... Secondly, Beowulf composes elements of pre-Christian pagan Christianity. ... Although primarily a pagan poem, Beowulf contains Christian allusions that cannot be ignored. ...

• Word Count: 3090
• Approx Pages: 12

The story was originally pagan, however, then it was written by a Christian monk, trying to convert Paganism to Christianity. ... "Beowulf literally "jumps at the opportunity to fight Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon" (Warfare in Beowulf). ... "After Beowulf kills Grendel, the scops reflects the Danes joy by singing about Beowulf's victory" (Critical Analysis of Beowulf). ... There was a great struggle in the battle with the Dragon all of Beowulf's warriors abandon him, except Wiglof a distant cousin of Beowulf. As Beowulf struggles to hold the fire back Wiglof is th...

• Word Count: 2051
• Approx Pages: 8