Beowulf: Christian Vs Pagan Element

Emma-lee Parvess

Mr. Esterly

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

August 28, 2015

The Conflict between Christian Perspective and Pagan Activities within “Beowulf”

        The epic poem of “Beowulf”, composed by an unknown Christian poet, condemns the pagan Anglo-Saxon belief system. The use of religious undertones throughout the story reflects the narrator’s monotheistic beliefs and ideas of evil, while the characters demonstrate ideals that contradict these views. There are numerous disagreements on ideology within “Beowulf”. For example, the characters paganism makes them believe that they have no control over their own destinies. Beowulf says, "Fate goes ever as fate must" (“Beowulf” 455). Yet, at another point he believe that only the “holy God decided the victory” (“Beowulf” 1553-1554). This idea of fate challenges the idea of God’s control. The effect of these juxtaposing ideas being put together demonstrates the disparity between the two philosophies. The poet shows how the Christian belief, with the grace and love of God, is superior to the Anglo-Saxon code of honor. He, however, does not condemn the characters, but instead excuses the people as paganism is all they have ever known. The poet creates strained tension throughout “Beowulf” by differentiating the pagan and Christian elements, delivering the profound message that the grace of God is upon the pagans, and through the comparison shows how the Germanic heroic code resembles the Christian faith.
         Beowulf’s values show the contradiction between the ideals of the narrator’s religion and the characters reality. He tells King Hrothgar that “Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgment by God” (“Beowulf” 440-441) as he prepares to face Grendel. However Beowulf later says, “It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning” (“Beowulf” 1384-1385). Beowulf demonstrates the acceptance and forgiveness of the Christian faith in the first quote. He then contradicts what he says and demonstrates a belief in the Germanic idea of the wergild (the price of a blood-feud). In this regard, the heroic code of the Anglo-Saxons conflicts with Christian sensibility. Vengeance produces an endless cycle of retribution. Grendel killed Hrothgar’s men, then Beowulf killed Grendel, then Grendel’s mother kills Aeschere and then Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother. The Christian faith demonstrates peace and forgiveness instead of payback. The poet illustrates how the Christian faith prevents death and destruction while the Germanic idea encourage it.
        The Anglo-Saxon warriors yearn to be immortalized within the history of their people. Fame and reputation were believed to be the components to make a hero. Beowulf believes he has reason to risk his life in battle, "Hygelac’s kinsman kept thinking about his name and fame: he never lost heart." (“Beowulf” 1529-1530). Beowulf wants his moments of fame, but fame is fleeting and Beowulf is forced to keep fighting to protect his reputation. He recognizes that he needs to keep battling for fame, "Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning" (“Beowulf” 2511-2513). Nevertheless, it is not fame that will immortalize Beowulf but rather his generosity and compassion towards his people. The poem ends with Beowulf’s people lamenting his death declaring” …that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people…” (“Beowulf” 3180-3182). Beowulf is immortalized for the Christian values he displayed, not for the conquests he made.
        The set of morals within the heroic code of honor resembles the Christian faith in the most basic way. The code of comitatus (the relationship between the ruler and his thanes) is at the center point of this epic poem. The thane would pledge his allegiance to his lord and vow to stay with him to the very end. The lord would share his riches and lands in return. The Christian God is the father of his people, and his followers share in the treasures he holds. The Christian faith relies on loyalty, a guiding virtue in the Germanic code of honor. 
        “Beowulf’s” combination of Christian and pagan principles is a reflection of the time in which it was written. Christianity had been introduced, but was relatively new in the middle of the seventh and the tenth century. The poet adapted the story of Beowulf, an originally pagan tale, in a way that would be accepted by a Christian audience. The religious tension in the poem shows the connections between Christianity and the Germanic code while condemning the paganism as a path to darkness.