Beowulf

Beowulf Paragraph

Seamus Heaney, the translator of Beowulf, illustrates numerous actions and details that portray Beowulf as a Christ-like figure. Beowulf's alacrity to help and his heroic actions make for an easy comparison to Jesus' life. For example, in all three of Beowulf's major battles, he heals and relieves situations of distress from his people, similar to Jesus healing people through miracles and relieving them of original sin by dying for them. When the author refers to Beowulf during the novel as 'the prince of goodness,' after describing Beowulf as one who performs virtuous acts in the pursuit

of justice rather than for the purpose of making a name for himself, he compares Beowulf to Jesus because he uses a name many people would also use to describe Jesus. An additional similarity between Beowulf and Jesus includes Beowulf announcing to Hrothgar's people, "But the Heavenly Shepherd can work His wonders always and everywhere," (63) while standing on the steps at the hall and gazing at Grendel's talon. This parallels to Jesus' extolling God's amazing ability to work His miracles at any time and any place. Another comparison includes the idea that the Geats' protection and well-being depends on Beowulf, while the Jews protection and well-being depends on Jesus. Furthermore, Beowulf illustrates how God judges people at the end of their lives while describing the difficulty of his upcoming fight with Grendel. Beowulf proclaims, "Whichever one death fells must deem it a just judgment by God," (31) which is identical to the way Jesus speaks about God, His Father, and the judgment day for all people. Additionally, Beowulf confidently relates "fate goes ever as fate must" (31). This statement relays a concept Jesus continually taught; in fact, this is the principle teaching that one should put all their trust in God,