BEOWULF: JESUS! versus SATAN! an essay.
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 weapons 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. .
Following the encounter with Grendel, Herot was attacked by an even more unruly demon, the monster so aptly named "Grendel's mother." During her attack, she was able to kill Esher, King Hrothgar's most trusted advisor. In an attempt to console the king, Beowulf spoke in direct contrast of the Christian ideology of turn the other cheek: "Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever." (67 1384-4).
Grendel's mother resides deep inside a swampy labyrinth, and in order to reach her, he had to rely on yet another superhuman ability.
Beowulf has many traits that make him a hero. ... Beowulf is able to kill her with a giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. ... This would lead to Beowulf's last battle. Beowulf goes to seek the dragon in his lair. ... Beowulf's injuries turn out to be fatal. ...
Beowulf Essay by Denny "The Yellow Dart" Fulton In the next four paragraphs will prove that Beowulf has the qualities of an epic hero. ... This essay will show Beowulf's saga as a hero. ... "Fifty winters pass, Beowulf, now an old man, faces his final task:"(that was not my Quote). " Together Beowulf and the young Miglaf kill the dragon, but the old king (Beowulf) is fatally wounded." ... Beowulf taking his last few words to the young Miglaf, the last of Beowulf's family, the new king. ... Beowulf's tower. ...
Beowulf Essay The epic story Beowulf is the most important of all English epics. ... The reoccurring imagery in Beowulf's battles and in describing his mail shirt help prove that Beowulf is an epic hero. The reoccurring imagery describing Beowulf's chain link mail shirt is an example of Beowulf's huge stature. ... When Beowulf stabs Grendel's mother in the head you hear "The iron sang its fierce song, sang Beowulf's strength". ... This imagery shows Beowulf's superior strength. ...
In the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, there are battles between Beowulf himself and several different monsters. ... Loyalty is present when Beowulf chooses to fight the monster for king Hrothgar who had done Ecgtheow, Beowulf's father, a great favor. ... Fate comes into play here when Beowulf defeats and unknowingly kills her son. ... The glory belongs to Beowulf because he defeats her, too. ... As fate would have it, the previously victorious Beowulf is put to the test one more time. ...
Beowulf: An Ideal Hero Beowulf is an outstanding epic poem set in the Anglo-Saxon period that tells the tale of a hero of the land. ... Beowulf is also a courageous warrior capable of overcoming many obstacles. ... Beowulf was the king of his land for fifty years. ... Beowulf did things that no other man would do. Thus, making Beowulf the greatest, most well known hero of his time. ...
Beowulf's selflessness and bravery are shown frequently when he battles Grendel. Beowulf shows no signs of retreat and accepts death as it may come. ... Another quality exhibited by Beowulf is his bravery. ... Beowulf displays a sense of strength throughout his life. ... Beowulf's intentions are to protect his people, so fear cannot intervene. ...
Beowulf- The Great of the Greats In the 8th century people were looked at by their character. Each person had important traits, which were very important traits that were admired back then. Some of these traits that were intelligible, they also had to be very honorable and do things fair. The wa...
Beowulf is unlike any other epic hero in the manner in which he fights. ... No sword could hurt Grendle so Beowulf would have beat him by hand alone. ... Beowulf shows his loyalty throughout the story. ... Beowulf showed he is the exact opposite. ... It is easily seen how Beowulf is a great leader. ...
Beowulf also has confidence in his skills as a warrior and as a leader. ... It can therefore be said that Beowulf is a classic Anglo-Saxon hero. ... In the epic poem, none equaled Beowulf's skill as a warrior or as a leader of men. ... Such confidence in skill projects Beowulf as a true Anglo-Saxon hero. ... Regardless of the fact that he smote Grendel bare handed, Beowulf admits a dragon is a formidable foe indeed, so a decision is made to unsheathe Hrunting Beowulf's mighty blade. ...
