Beowulf a Pagan Epic Hero - 1681 Words

Beowulf: A Pagan Epic Hero? Throughout literature there have been countless parallels and references to the story of Christ as written in the Bible. Even in such unexpected places as in seemingly pagan poems of ancient Danes and Geats- an epic with dragons and monsters- one still finds similar biblical allusions. In just such an unexpected place, the epic Beowulf, its title hero and his circumstance, become an allegory for the story of Christ. In this sense, Beowulf can be seen as a Christian story of salvation. The similarities between Beowulf and the story of Christ are striking. All one would need to see the many parallels between the two would be a simple sign or thought that this allegory does exist. After that simple hint†¦show more content†¦Thus these warriors lived in joy, blessed, until one began to do evil deeds, a hellish enemy. (pg. 28) As Satan who used guile and deceit to ruin happiness and bring death to our first Mother and Father (and thereby all mankind), so Grendel too brings death to the North-Danes to end his solitary misery. Even the use of such concepts as hellish or having to do with Hell, and the Great Flood (as mentioned above) point to the fact that Beowulf is written for an audience that is at least familiar with, if not part of, the Christian doctrine. So, by this note - if Grendel is this creature deprived of joy...driven by evil desire(pg. 36), if he is the symbolic Satan- and the audience is knowledgeable of Christian theology- then it follows t hat Beowulf, who vanquishes Grendel and lays down his own life for his people by killing the Dragon, must be the representation of Christ. The first comparison which must be drawn between Beowulf and Christ is that of their descriptions. Beowulf is described as the Best of Men, Beloved Man, He held the great gift that God had given him, the most strength of all mankind (Beowulf) Similarly Christ is called the Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Master, The Lords Anointed (Microsoft Bookshelf) They are both clearly revered by man, in fact above all others, and blessed by God. Hrothgar says of Beowulf, Lo! That self-same woman who boreShow MoreRelatedBeowulf: the Pagan Christian Epic Hero1569 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf has both pagan and Christian influences. Throughout the story there are many elements of Christian teachings: that man survives only through the protection of God, that all earthly gifts flow from God, and that the proper bearing of man is to be humble and unselfish (csis.edu, 2011). While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones are more prevalent, exhibiting many elements of Christian her oism in the poem. 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