Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Beowolf

Beowulf is an epic poem that tells the story of Beowulf and his struggles to overcome three heinous antagonists. Its origins lie in hedonist Denmark. Brought to England by the Anglo-Saxons, it was later calm in a Christianized England. This would lead to many changes in the formerly purely pagan poem. While Beowulf may contain allusions to Christianity, it is at heart a work of pagan poetry.

The retri thative fellowship of Beowulfs setting is quite contrary to the message of the New Testament. Theirs is a society that set might and violence over what ar considered Christian values. This is apparent from the very beginning of the poem: on that point was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes, a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes... That was wiz good king (32). Obviously, this is not a society that values traits like mercy and pacifism. Churches, the center of Christian life, are conspicuously absent, as are priests. The center of their culture is not the church, but rather the mead-hall.

Many would point to the references to God within the school text as proof of the Christianity of the poem. Yet nothing in these references explicitly describes a Christian god. They could have easily been references to a pagan deity and simply been changed to the Christian god upon being recorded.

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In fact, there is no mention of anything from the New Testament passim the entire poem. Jesus name does not appear and there is no mention of the Gospels. The only biblical reference found in Beowulf is in regards to Grendels ancestry: ...Cains clan, whom the Creator had outlawed and condemned as outcasts (35). This makes the references to Christianity weak at best. Beowulfs own Christian beliefs could also be depict as quite vague.

Beowulf has many traits that are considerably Christian. He is honorable, generous and fair. Thus Beowulf bore himself with valor; he was dangerous in battle yet behaved with honour and took no expediency; never cut down a comrade who...If you wish to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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