From Paganism To Christianity In Beowulf

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Beowulf was written when the society was converting from Paganism to Christianity. In this epic poem, these two religions come through the actions of the different characters, so the author promotes the Christian and pagan religions by preaching and writing about both.
Christianity, and the reference to the Christian God influences the story of Beowulf in many ways. For instance, the author describes Grendel as a very inhuman and monstrous character because he is a biblical allusion of evil. This is further described, and explained in the quote:
He was spawned in that slime,
Conceived by a pair of those monsters born
Of Cain, murmurous created banished
By God (“Grendel” 19-22).
In this quotation, Christianity is referenced to explain Grendel's murderous behavior because his ancestry begins with Cain. Since Cain was cursed by God, he dealt with God's wrath and He would not allow Cain to abandon his sin, and so his …show more content…
For example, “As he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good” (“Grendel” 118). This quotation speaks of omens and propheces which shows a blend of pagan belief, rather than just Christianity. Although the characters are attributed to mainly Christian allusions, there are instances where the characters referred to pagan beliefs. An example of this in the text is, And sometimes they sacrificed to the old stoned Gods
Made heathen rows, hoping for Hell’s
Support, the Devil’s guidance in driving
Their Affliction off (“Grendel” 90-93).
When the people of Hrothgar were helpless at the time of the monsters who have been plaguing them for so long, they prayed to the Devil and other gods for advice. So, in the story of Beowulf, it reveals beliefs of paganism, which are scattered throughout the text.
Nevertheless, there are numerous instances where Christianity collides with paganism in this poem. Some believed and praised in the Almighty God while others believed and praised in the pagan
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