Beowulf, Christlike or coincidence? The story of Beowulf is credited as the “the title of the earliest existing Anglo-Saxon epic. It tells the story of Beowulf, a Norse hero and warrior who fought and conquered several monsters that terrorized Denmark and Sweden. The poem combines elements of Anglo-Saxon culture with Christian moral values...”. This story has caused many academic debates due to all the symbolism, both Christian and pagan.
The Danish monarchs permitted them to preach within their kingdoms, however in return Denmark became allied with the Carolingian Empire. There were no Danish kings who officially converted to Christianity until the Danish King Harald Bluetooth supposedly observed a miracle. Therefore he adopted Christianity on behalf of his people and the new religion was firmly establi-shed during the 11th century. During the early 10th century, Anglo-Saxon missionaries ventured across the North Sea and established links with King Harald Harfagri of Norway. Håkon, the king’s son was schooled in a Christian school in England, however his early death in 960 prevented any conversion to Christianity.
Certain virtues that are praised within Christianity such as loyalty and sacrificing for the good of others are similarly praised in Beowulf. Qualities like greed and pride are looked at in a negative way by both the text and Christianity. In this paper, I will argue that, although Beowulf is a secular poem, the characters and values represented in the text parallel Christian stories and ideals while maintaining Pagan traditions. The superhuman characteristics of some of the main characters, particularly in the first two parts of the epic, are evidence of the Pagan influence on the poem. The Danes have been haunted by a creature called Grendel and Beowulf decides to fight him.
His resolution to protest the unlawful marriage of King Henry and Anne Boleyn was rooted in Christian beliefs and morals. His refusal to accept the divorce of Henry and Catherine allowed for much speculation, however, More’s selection remained steadfast, as did his character, while enduring harsh criticism. More is truly “A Man For All Seasons” in light of his ability to remain true to his beliefs, family, and country when faced with adverse situations. More has been called the ‘hero’ of the play; hero according to the Concise English Dictionary is described as a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility and strength. To some extent, he is also A Man for All seasons.
The Dream of the Rood is a poem written by an unknown author, which dates back to 8th century inscriptions found on the Ruthwell Cross. The complete versions as we now know it came about from within the 10th century Vercelli Book. Rood in modern English means pole or in the case of this poem crucifix. The poem details the crucifixion of Christ from the viewpoint of the Rood and it is interesting to see the story through the Rood’s unique viewpoint. Christianity of course heavily influences the poem and there are also some paganistic elements as well (The Dream of the Rood, 2011).
He is easily the best warrior in the country, which he demonstrates by killing Grendel. “Wiglaf, who becomes Beowulf's successor, also embodies these traits. When all of the other soldiers abandon Beowulf in his fatal battle against the dragon, Wiglaf does not. He displays courage and loyalty in
This is the only manuscript that attests to this Anglo-Saxon culture. There are many literary features that call upon the reader’s attention; the blend of pagan and Christian elements and the use of comitas/Anglo-Saxon hierarchy define the heroic warrior, the stress on fate help to predict of the fall of Anglo-Saxon pagan culture, and the kennings used to enrich the reading. Beowulf incorporates the pagan and Christian concepts of fate in order to promote a system of monarchy in which power is passed on through heirs as opposed to the system where the greatest, strongest warrior claims the throne. “Beow…a young prince…given freely while his father lives so that afterward in age when fighting starts steadfast companions will stand by him and hold the line. Behavior that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” (34) “He was well regarded and ruled the Danes for a long time after his father took leave of his life on earth.
Ahab showed how futile and useless vengeance is because he was so much interested in revenging Moby dick that he forgot the main purpose of the whaling activity. ”I am game for his crooked jaw, and for the jaws of Death too, Captain Ahab, if it fairly comes in the way of the business we follow; but I came here to hunt whales, not my commander’s vengeance. How many barrels will thy vengeance yield thee even if thou gettest it, Captain Ahab? It will not fetch thee much in our Nantucket market.”(pg.311).The above extract is when Starbuck was complaining about how he wants to hunt whale but not because his commander wants to revenge the whale that took away his leg.in as much as Ahab was warned about what he was about to embark on but he didn’t listen and at the end of the day he ended up losing his life due to the fact that he taught the could beat nature (by trying to kill the whale). He also symbolised wickedness, Ahab had no source of kindness in him especially when he allowed captain Gardiner- “I will not go,’ said the stranger, ‘till you say aye to me.
This explains his bravery presented when he hears of the violent crimes committed by the evil demon Grendel. Beowulf hurriedly commands a bout fitted out to sail across the sea to Hrothgar. In lines (109-119), when Beowolf does decide to go to Hrothgar to help the Danes, he is encouraged by the Geats to go with the adventure. “None of the wise ones regretted his going, much as he was loved by the Geats.” I would consider Beowulf to be an arrogant character, because when he battles Grendel he doesn’t use a sword claiming it to be an “unfair advantage” due to Grendel not having a weapon. Throughout the poem, Beowulf is considered an honorable hero.
The materials of the story were influenced to a considerable extent by Christian-originating ideas which made the poem subject of various interpretations, yet the poet achieved the balance he attained for his poem by avoiding clashes between Christianity and Paganism by intermingling Germanic pagan tradition which agrees or at least does not controvert Christianity except in few places, like the giants who are honored by one and contemned by the other. One of the most significant examples of mixing both elements is the passage about his fight with the nine sea-monsters in which a reference to fate or wyrd, paganism, is uttered "fate let me/ Find its