The poem Beowulf marks a period of change in English history, namely the introduction of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons, which led to a new interest in literacy. By the 7th century, northern Irish monks were active in the spread of Christianity, aided by the mission of Augustine, who at the same time extended his siege from the south to the northern Anglian kingdoms. These Irish missionaries did more than just spread religion. They created famous schools, where many of their converts were educated. The Roman Church also brought to the country a love of books and learning, educating people in the Latin and Greek languages ​​(Lawrence 7). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Although many of Beowulf's concepts reflect the attitudes of pagan Anglo-Saxon times, it still contains many newly introduced Christian themes; themes that sometimes conflict with older values ​​(Irving 21). Before Christianity reached its peak in medieval times, traits such as heroism and arrogance were admirable, provided you didn't get too close to the gods and heavens. Early Christian writers such as St. Augustine played a key role in turning away pagan attitudes, including earthly arrogance and the desire for wealth. Although some aspects of pagan attitudes still lurk within Beowulf, his Christian values ​​are clear. Most scholars believe that Beowulf was written by a Christian author, who was most likely a monk, which explains the poem's attempts to instill Christian morality in the reader. Everything that happens in Beowulf can be attributed to God's grace, whether it is victory in battle or the taking of spoils after victory. For example, after Beowulf and his men completed their journey to Denmark, they “thanked God for this easy crossing on a calm sea” (227-28); and before his battle with Grendel, he says, “Whatever death comes, it must be considered a just judgment of God” (440-41). After Grendel's defeat, Beowulf states that he, “. . . received the glory of winning” (817-18). In addition to Beowulf's recognition of God in everything he does, he also seems to have a mystical protection that protects all his actions. At the same time, Beowulf realizes that this protection must be earned, particularly through his values: courage, honesty, pride and humility. An example of how God protects Beowulf occurs when he opens a treasure that the ancients had cast a spell on. Beowulf is able to open the treasure without any effect, since he is protected by God (Irving 87). Biblical symbols and references to Christianity in "Beowulf". Perhaps more interesting than the history of Christianity and its effect on Beowulf are the many symbols and biblical references in the text. One of the first and most obvious biblical references is the story of Cain and Abel. Grendel, who in the ancient version of this story probably took on a more demonic role, is transformed by the Christian author into a descendant of Cain. The monster is described as a demon from hell, “evil by nature” and “never showing remorse” (137). Nature, in this sense, takes on a new meaning. This does not simply refer to the world around us, but to the divine nature that is believed to govern the world. Grendel, “bears both the mark of Cain and the wrath of God”. He is often described as a refugee banished to the wilderness for the murder of his brother, as were the outlawsAnglo-Saxons of the time (Irving 47-48). The descriptions of Grendel clearly lead the reader to identify him with darkness and evil, and therefore an adversary of God. There is also a subtle reference to the resurrection of Jesus and God, the Father in the description when: “Hrothgar, watching the water of the lake, saw a heaving and surging of waves and blood in the surf. They bowed their gray heads, spoke in their wise, experienced manner about the good warrior, how they never again expected to see this prince return in triumph to their king” (1592-58). The blood that Hrothgar sees rising to the top is similar to that of Jesus, and when Beowulf is found alive, it symbolizes the Christian resurrection. The author of Beowulf thinks highly of Beowulf's mother, saying that God must have "bestowed grace" on her and that she gave birth to a "flower of manhood", another parallel between Jesus and Beowulf. There are also references to the great flood that took place in the book of Genesis. Take for example this passage describing Beowulf's sword: It was fully engraved and showed how war came to the world and how the flood destroyed the tribe of giants. They suffered a terrible separation from the Lord; the Almighty caused the waters to rise, drowning them in the flood in retaliation (1687-93). The author of Beowulf suggests that the creators of the sword were descendants of those who caused God to cause the flood, and perhaps even suggests that they were descendants of Cain. Ironically, earlier in the passage the giants were mentioned in a positive way. This brings us to some of the Christian contradictions that appear in Beowulf. In the author's attempt to Christianize Beowulf, there are undoubtedly some vestiges of the pagan ideology from which the poem arose. When offerings are made to the idols, one of the ancient pagan gods is asked to save them from Grendel's terror, and the images of boars carved on the warriors' helmets act as good luck charms, an apparently idolatrous practice. little Christian. There are also traces of the poem's pagan ancestry in its description of Grendel's descendants who, although simply said to be descended from Cain, are described as ". . . fatherless creatures. . . their entire ancestry is hidden in a past of ghosts and demons” (1355-57). Another example of how paganism and Christianity mix in the poem occurs during the death of Beowulf. The author makes no mention of Beowulf's cremation, an act that Christianity would surely condemn. While contemplating the afterlife that his Christian God will offer him, Beowulf thinks about the murder of his parents, a Germanic sin that he believes could prevent him from entering heaven (Irving 113). Then, instead of talking more about Beowulf's sweet afterlife, the poet focuses on Beowulf and the dragon lying side by side, painting a rather paganistic picture of Beowulf's death (Irving 88). The author chooses to mix Christian symbols and practices with their pagan counterparts, rather than sticking to one or the other. The religion of the characters is not one of firmness, but seems to be imposed on them by force. According to Beowful critic William Lawerence, "the poorest and weakest parts of the poem are found among the decidedly Christian passages. The only naive thing about the poem is its theology. Here is unpublished material and a childish attitude toward a new faith” (Lawrence 9). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Beowulf is actually an Anglo-Saxon pagan. poem transformed into poem., 1950.