Beowulf dates back to around the eighth century, during which Christianity was not a prevalent religion. As Magill states, whether the Christian elements are intrinsic or are interpolations by a tenth century monastic scribe is controversial. However, it remains obvious that the poem along with the society is full of Christian sentiments.
The reader does not have to read far before he comes across the first reference made to God. It is in the prologue in which the story of Shild and the beginnings of Beo are presented. "Now the Lord of all life, Ruler of Glory blessed them with a prince- (23, ll. 16-17). As the narrative continues it relays information of Shild becoming old and "When his time was come the old king died, still strong but called to the Lord's hands" (24, ll. 26-27). In this particular passage, although the words such as Lord and blessing provide for a Christian element, the actions of the people do not. Shild's comrades do not bury him after his death; there is no funeral as present in Christian society. Instead they put his corpse on a harbored ship along with numerous treasures including jeweled helmets and armor, and set the ship sailing, sliding in the water with Shild's shinning banner high up over his head (24, ll.35-42). Magill's comment that the Christianity of Beowulf does not much resemble that of the modern world seems to apply here.
Virtuous men in Beowulf must not think themselves to be all-powerful, for it is with God's permission that any task may be accomplished. After any endeavor which fares well the men thank God. On such example is seen upon the arrival of the Geats on the Danish shore, when immediately after mooring their ship they thank God for their easy crossing (30, ll. 225-228). Soon afterwards the watchman too leaves them with a prayer, " may the Lord our God protect your coming and going" (33, ll. 316-317)! These lines portray to the reader that people in the society kept the thought of God constantly in mind, especially when embarking upon a dangerous feat and after triumph over an antagonist.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...