The Religious Themes Of The Epic Of Beowulf - 1485 Words

In Beowulf, two types of religion are portrayed by one unknown author, and play an important role in the interpretation of the epic poem. Paganism is one of the religions that are portrayed in the epic, and it is speculated that before it was written and recorded that the work was actually focused around a Pagan belief system before the Christian coloring and allusions were added. Christianity is the second religion being portrayed in this Epic Poem. It is theorized that a monk was the one that added the Christian themes to the work as he was recording it. Monks were famous for being scribes and recording different works in their solemn monasteries. These are only theories, and this paper will discuss both of the religious themes and the impacts they both contribute to this amazing piece of literature. Beowulf has its religious roots in paganism and that is quite evident being that the tale is revolved around the Geats and the Danes. The epic was speculated to have been written around either the 600s or 700s for the fact that they depict historical figures deaths. The Geats and Danes were largely Pagan tribes that believed in multiple gods, and that fate and honor controlled the outcome of their immortality. In 1066 A.D. when William the Conqueror took control of the British Isles he brought with him Christianity. After the invasion a single tattered manuscript of the Epic has survived. That is when it was theorized that the monks took the piece it colored it with theShow MoreRelatedBeowulf: Themes1038 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf: Themes The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is the most important work of Old English literature, and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel, a descendent of Cain, and of his exploits fighting Grendel s mother and a Dragon. 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The literature serves as a reflection of this ancient time rather than having an impact on this time periodRead MoreThe Importance Of Heroism In Beowulf1073 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf is a classic, epic story which theme focuses on good versus evil, â€Å"Beowulf is essentially a heathen poem† (Bodek) said F.A Blackburn because it consists of elements drawn from Anglo-Saxons culture before they were converted to Christians. It is tidily divided into three parts; The battle with Grendel, The battle with Grendel’s mother and the battle with the Dragon. The poem deals with Germanic forebears, the Danes, the Geats and the Swedes. This story features a super-strong warrior BeowulfRead MoreEssay about Pagan Aspects in Beowulf1573 Words   |  7 Pages Scholars have argued about the religious stance of the epic poem Beowulf for centuries. Although the man who put the poem down on paper, known as the Beowulf poet, was a devout Christian, the actual poem itself is pagan. There are many clues in the epic that lead us to this conclusion such as the numerous references to pagan symbols, namely the symbol of fate. Also, the central idea of revenge in the poem opposes the ideas of Christianity. The poem also contains many breaches of the Ten