Beowulf

            Written in eighth century England, Beowulf is an epic poem that incorporates the ideals of two very contrasting worlds and their ethics. This recherché union of pagan and Christian worlds creates a unique stylist prose with the combination of polytheisms and monotheism. The pagan culture, of the time, has induced and inundated the ethics of its society with ideals of heroism, loyalty, and bravery; and instilled the message that determination and bravery leads to victory. Yet, the symbolism and the main character's actions portray Beowulf as a Christ, like deity. Due to the closeness of these two values, Beowulf is a novel with both the pagan and Christian traditions.
             The pagan aspect of the novel has placed a significant value and importance on courage, generosity, kinship, and the King-warrior relationship. These ideals lead to one of superhuman abilities or a superhero. Depicted as superhuman, Beowulf obligates himself to kill Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. During his battles with Grendel, he opts out of utilizing weapons. He approaches Grendel barehanded, and remains victorious. When facing Grendel's mother, the pagan attributes of super-heroism and magic were eminent. "Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons but so massive that no ordinary man could lift its carved decorated length" (72). Beowulf is no ordinary man, yet a man of superhero proportions and a man manifested by a pagan influence upon the culture of the time. In addition, many other pagan practices are present in the epic: praying to idols, observing of omens, and burning of the dead. Most of these ideas are strongly disapproved by the Catholic Church.
             Although a strong pagan presence exists, the overall atmosphere of the novel is shadowed by a more dominant Christian one. The author's representation of Beowulf is one of Christ, like figure.