Therefore, it would be understandable to suggest that the original pagan scop, who sang of this epic poem, was influenced by Christian beliefs but then a Christian monk finally put it on paper. Within the translation of Beowulf by Burton Raffel, it contains the scop’s pagan and Christian influence as well as the monk’s Christian influence. The pagan elements in the epic poem Beowulf are evident in the character’s superhuman personifications, need for material possession, and superstition. Beowulf takes it upon himself
English 11 10/18/12 Conflicting Beliefs in Anglo-Saxon Culture While reading through the epic poem Beowulf, I noticed many conflicting beliefs between Pagan and Christian values. The reason for this is when missionaries attempted to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in year 596. By 650, most of Britain was Christian but still held on to some of their Pagan beliefs. In the next few paragraphs I will explain some of the conflicting beliefs in Beowulf. While reading, there were many Christian values in the poem.
Seamus Heaney’s translation of the epic poem “Beowulf” successfully explores the reconciliation of Christian, mythological and Pagan influences. It analyses the text’s depiction of the archetypal hero and it’s symbol allusions through the indeterminable battle between Good and Evil, the concept of Fate, and the ‘superhuman’ within a mortal realm. Beowulf utilises poetic themes of religion in the way it manages to blend pagan and Christian morals and values and displace paradoxical notions. Heaney manages to combine his Christian perception of the loving but demanding virtues of an all-powerful and Judgmental God with the insane futility of the Germanic’s thirst for vengeance. Myth helped define the ancestral Germanic people’s existence, in
Tradition and Dissent in English Christianity To what extent was tradition in English Christianity restored in the nineteenth century? Yes, to a great extent, the assertion of the question is undoubtedly true. However, it is important to take into account several other aspects which also have an impact. The terms ‘Catholicism’ and ‘Protestantism’ were defined by the conflicts of the sixteenth century. Roman Catholicism was the Christian religion of England until the Reformation, with the introduction of Protestantism and establishment of the Church of England in the sixteenth century.
The Bible is the witness to the central events of the Christian faith. “It was never intended to be a short cut to the problems of Christian living, or an encyclopaedia of moral instruction, or a compendium of moral rules.” Some Christians, such as Liberal Protestants, (Church of England) believe that the Bible needs re-interpreting for a modern society, for example, many
Although a few sacred readings and the form that followers pray are similar in both religions they are also slightly different. For example the most important text in Christianity is The Bible (that consist of The Old Testament and New Testament). Jews however, consider the TaKa’kh their “holy book” (which consist of mostly The Old Testament). When a Jewish prayer is taking place, Hebrew is spoken; when a Christian prays they do it in the language they regularly speak. Furthermore, Christians believe in heaven, hell, and purgatory, in other words, they believe that where they will go after death depends on the way they have executed life.
Scholars and critics have come to various conclusions about the themes and meaning of Beowulf. Although there are many underlying messages and strong ideas throughout the epic, some are more universal and noteworthy than others. Beowulf is a blending of Christian traditions with a folk story that extols virtues of loyalty, courage, and faith in the face of extreme dangers and even death. It presents a model of man willing to die to deliver his fellow men from terrifying evil forces. Throughout the Beowulf, there is a clear blending of Christian traditions and folk story type elements.
Christian Influences in Beowulf The epic poem “Beowulf” is a story of an ambitious hero named Beowulf. In the story of “Beowulf” there are many Christian influences that are in the text. Beowulf himself has no set religion throughout this story but many Christian values find their way into the poem. This epic allows the reader to recognize and view the religious and symbolic references their own way. The Christian influences that stood out within this story were self-sacrifice for the good of others, loyalty, and also the sympathy for those less fortunate.
It was Good vs. Evil where a good warrior fights for his glory then later battles for the good of his people by battling evil monsters for there good. As a great warrior and later a king he faces near death. The first battle with Grendel he risked his life, but he did to reach fame for the glory and to prove that he is the mighty Beowulf. The battle with Grendel’s mother he fought for the greater good of the people to stop the terrorizing that they have done for years.
Revenge is “a pagan concept deeply embedded in most societies but at odds with Christian teaching” (Bevington 550). Pagan is “pertaining to the worship or worshipers of any religion that is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim” (The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy). Christianity is “the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ” (According to The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy). The words of the characters show they consider themselves christian. The first glimpse of Christian elements in Hamlet is when Horatio is praying, “Heavens secure him!” (1.5.116).