PAGANISM (Pa"gan*ism): The state of being pagan; pagan characteristics; esp., the worship of idols or false gods, or the system of religious opinions and worship maintained by pagans; heathenism.

CHRISTIANITY (Chris*tian"i*ty): The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.

The epic poem Beowulf was composed by an anonymous English author around the year 1000 AD. Through the author’s use of character development and description it can be ascertained that England was the center of social divergence during this time period. Its people were steadily changing from the polytheistic nature of paganism to Christianity. Throughout the poem the author’s inconsistency portrays the society’s struggle with the change.

The most obvious of pagan influences of the poem are derived from Beowulf’s paranormal strength and god-like demeanor. The first instance of this is contained in his battle with Grendel as he foregoes the use of w

In conclusion, while it is not clear whether or not Beowulf is a strictly pagan or strictly Christian poem, it is undeniably a representation of the times during the struggle of conversion.

eapons in favor of his bare hands to defeat the demon that had devastated Herot for over a span of 10 years. “Grendel is no braver, no stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not, easy as it would be.” (44 677-9) During the battle, Beowulf had Grendel pinned down, and through the use of his supernatural strength, was able to tear Grendel’s arm from his shoulder, ultimately killing him.

Grendel’s mother resides deep inside a swampy labyrinth, and in order to reach her, he had to rely on yet another superhuman ability. He must swim downwards for almost an entire day without breathing until he encounters the beast. Upon accosting her, he discovers that strikes from his merely human sword are in vain. “Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy sword, hammered by giants, strong and blessed

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