Essay on Religion in Beowulf - 814 Words

Jeff Paletta Mr. Manwell English 3 Period 3 A.M.D.G Soldier of God Warriors are considered among the bravest of men. In the Anglo-Saxon community, the warriors were of the most respected class, and made up the foundation for their way of living. Anglo-Saxon warriors would not stop fighting until either they were victorious or they were dead. Written during this Anglo-Saxon period, the epic Beowulf contains many pagan ideals, in addition to several references to Christian philosophy. Beowulf is a tale of dual ordeals; an external fight against treacherous enemies, and an internal struggle with human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, and betrayal. The story intertwines them with both pagan and Christian beliefs. The pride†¦show more content†¦In this sense, Beowulf represents an Anglo-Saxon warrior; the bravest of pagan soldiers who fight until the death. The first half of this dual ordeal is the internal conflict of human nature to be overcome by pride and greed. The characteristic of pride and its contradiction to Chr istian values gives a first look at the dichotomies of pride vs. humility and sacrifice vs. greed. In Herot, King Hrothgar reminds Beowulf that pride, untempered by humility, will result in the tragic fall. He also shares with Beowulf a second element of Christian philosophy; â€Å"wealth, accumulated through the grace of God, must be shared unselfishly.† The characteristic of greed is contradictory in Beowulf. At first, Beowulf is made out to be a selfless warrior; he fights Grendel and Grendels mother to ensure safety for his people, even if it means he will die. However, once the greed of Beowulf mixes with his pride, he loses that trait of selflessness. Beowulf lets his pride consume him, and begins to brag about what he has accomplished. Beowulf says â€Å"Grendel is no braver nor stronger than I am! I could kill him with my sword; I shall not...† (Beowulf 376) Beowulf starts to call himself the best soldier in the world, and that he is the only one that co uld kill Grendel. At this point, Beowulf is no longer fighting for the protection of his people, but rather for his own personal glory. TheShow MoreRelatedReligion in Beowulf1385 Words   |  6 PagesMin) Kim Dr. Hadley History 101 – Spring 2013 10 April 2013 Religion in Beowulf Throughout the story of Beowulf, the concept of religion plays a significant role. The Christianity ideology views state that man can survive and do great things through the protection of God. A strong desire of pride is also represented in the form of a hero in Beowulf, which in a sense goes against Christian morals. This clash with Christian morals in Beowulf was in the context of pride vs. humility and selfishness vsRead MoreRoles Of Religion In Beowulf1369 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout the story of Beowulf, the concept of religion plays a significant role. The Christianity ideology views state that man can survive and do great things through the protection of God. A strong desire of pride is also represented in the form of a hero in Beowulf, which in a sense goes against Christian morals. This clash with Christian morals in Beowulf was in the context of pride vs. humility and selfishness vs. sacrifice. In the book, Hrothgar first explained to Beowulf that pride without humili tyRead MoreThe Portrayl of Religion in Beowulf Essays814 Words   |  4 PagesIn the story Beowulf, there are a few different religions that are represented by the author. All the religions are portrayed in the story through the author’s eyes and his beliefs. The author makes clear what religion he believes in and his views. 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Beowulf is a story about a hero with supernatural powers. His strength surpasses any man, and he is the king of his people(the Sweden). Beowulf defeats and kills monsters to protect the people and the land of the Geats and Danes. Beowulf defeats the monster named Grendel. Grendel kills and eats Beowulf s men who sleep in