The influences of Religion and God are apparent in the poem Beowulf. Both Christianity and Pagan beliefs are found throughout the story of Beowulf. Though Beowulf has spiritual strength, he is not always concerned with Christian virtues. When the Geats arrive in Denmark, "they thanked God that the sea voyage had been easy for them," (pg 5) but later, Beowulf's want for material rewards, and fame are connected with the Pagan nonreligious ways. Beowulf receives material gifts when he defeats Grendel's mother. "Then the brave man, the son of Ecglaf, bade him bear Hrunting, take his sword, his dear blade; he thanked him for the gift; said that he counted him a good friend in battle, mighty in war; in no wise did he belittle the sword's edge; that was a brave warrior." (pg 33) Though material posses are important to him, he also wants to please God.
Christian virtues are expressed in Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf, he says "may holy God in his graciousness send him to us, to the West-Danes as I hope, against the terror of Grendel." (pg7) After Beowulf defeats Grendel, Hrothgar tells him "now I will love thee in my heart as my son, Beowulf, best of men; keep well the new kinship." (pg17) This display of emotion is part of Christian belief. Also, there is terrible war going on around Hrothgar, and he is still concerned with his belief in God. Hrothgar tells Beowulf "I suffered much that was hateful, sorrows at the hands of Grendel; ever may God, the glorious protector perform wonder after wonder." (pg 17) Though Hrothgar has in obviously belief in God, in the Danes" time of crisis he nearly abandons his Christian beliefs, "sometimes in their temples they vowed sacrifices, they petitioned with prayers that the slayer of souls should succour them for the people's distress." (pg 4).
When it is time for Beowulf to fight Grendel, Hrothgar knows the outcome is up to God. When Hrothgar talks with Beowulf before he goes to fight Grendel, he says "God may easily part the bold enemy from his deeds.
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. ...
