The epic poem Beowulf tells the story of a warrior who throughout his life overcomes evils. It has many references to Anglo-Saxon ideals of bravery, strength, and courage. For example, Beowulf brashly lists his accomplishments before entering each battle: "But the truth is simple: no man swims in the sea as I can, no strength is a match for mine other monsters crowded around me, continually attacking. I treated them politely, offering the edge of my razor-sharp sword," (265-294). However, the poet suggests that his boasts are symbolic of Beowulf's personal insecurity. Beowulf seems afraid of defeat and faliure. His boastful remarks are reminders to himself of his invincibility. In this poem, the poet is both critical and praising of the Anglo-Saxons" beliefs and customs.
The poet shows a strong belief in Divine or supernatural notions. The poem reflects this belief through references to "that Shepherd of Evil" (432) and "[sacrifices] to the old stone gods" (90). These are both conflicting allusions to the two prominent religions of the time. One pertains to Christian ideology; i.e. "The Almighty God" (493), and "the Almighty making the earth" (8), and the other relates to Anglo Saxon religious beliefs; i.e., "the omens were good" (118) and "fate will unwind as it must," (189). The poem alludes to Christianity, a monotheistic religion that rejects ideas of fate. On the other hand, there are rudiments of Anglo Saxon philosophy, pagan on account of its elements of fate. The conflicts in the epic between the two opposite beliefs reflect human nature's fickle notions and uncertainty in the belief in the divine. Additionally, the main character's attributes and conflicts would classify him as a "messiah," an archetypal pattern. Like Jesus and Moses, Beowulf, the epic hero, comes at a time of need and chaos in Herot, thereupon ending the chaos and destruction by killing Grendel and his mother.
Pagan Beliefs C. ... Good vs. ... For example, in the epic "Beowulf", Christianity is seen in the theme of good vs. evil. ... Like Jesus, his people also betrayed Beowulf. ... In "Beowulf", pagan elements can be seen in the three mythical creatures. ...
This epic is a traditional good vs. evil story. ... His army thanks God when things go their way and throughout the story there are references to both Christian and Pagan beliefs, which gives it universal appeal. ... It has universal appeal because it is seasoned with Pagan and Christian connotations about God and fate. And finally, it is a traditional story about good vs. evil. ... The story of Beowulf touches on every emotion and allows us to identify with the character of Beowulf who is foolhardy....
Beowulf lives in a pagan society where human beings are directed by a power outside of their control. These pagans believe in a type of uncertain destiny that is ruled by fate alone. ... Sir Gawain on the other hand receives his resources of strength from the god of the Christians. ... He also carries a shield with him on his journey which has a five-pointed star on it that symbolizes that his force was founded on the five joys of the Christian church. ... Though it is quite evident that Sir Gawain places great faith in the aid of god on his journey, he does seem to resort to a pagan means...
This is true in the case of Beowulf. ... Beowulf begins with Beowulf and his thirteen companions setting forth from Geatland to exterminate the monster Grendel. ... Absent from the film are any religious references, Christian or pagan. ... Beowulf still had work left to do. ... Beowulf had become king of Geatland. ...
Proud and humble, Christian and pagan, Beowulf's character encompasses many seeming contradictions. ... Honor was an important aspect of Beowulf's fight also. ... Perhaps the most important virtue in this world of newly blossoming Christianity was Beowulf's devotion to god, in a very pagan setting nonetheless. ... It was faith that was the backbone of Beowulf's strength. ... It was the battle of good vs. evil that was the backbone of the plot, and Beowulf's firm entrenchment with god that made him such a hero. ...
