The Merging of Cultures in Beowulf - 1410 Words

The story of Beowulf represents the merging of two cultural belief systems: paganism and Christianity. Historically, the Anglo-Saxon culture was based upon pagan practices- idolatry, worship of many Gods and a specific warrior’s code of conduct. Beowulf was born of this culture as a legend passed down through centuries by oral tradition until shortly after their conversion to Christianity. It was finally preserved in written form by an obviously Christian author in an attempt to unify the two belief systems, and in doing so hopefully further convincing the new Anglo-Saxon believers that the two cultures could be compatible with one another. The character of Beowulf becomes the ultimate Christian hero, bound to the Anglo-Saxon warrior’s code yet giving credit and praise to the Christian God for his victories. It is from this context that the story presents the conflict of good and evil in its characters, its imagery and its symbolism. In this way the author hopes to insp ire faith and belief in God, demonstrate how God deals with the forces of evil and ultimately how God is the answer to triumph over evil or adversity. As the hero of the story, Beowulf must be presented as a Godly or even God-like character, redeeming the Danes from the devil and hell itself. In keeping with Anglo-Saxon tradition, Beowulf is a proud, somewhat boastful warrior. He is loyal and honorable, but he seeks fame and glory on earth rather than in the afterlife, often boasting of his ownShow MoreRelatedKeeping Briton’s Religious Origins Alive through Ancient Literature1129 Words   |  5 Pages Furthermore, the persistence of these religious genres is evidenced in ancient literature such as Beowulf, The Myth of Arthur’s Return, or Diedru and the Exile of the Sons of Uisliu, as they retained remnants of origins of the Britons’ religious beliefs. In Beowulf, King Hrothgar, the ruler of Danes, is troubled by the rampages of a demon named Grendel. Fortunately, a young Geat warrior, Beowulf, travels from his own kingdom across the seas, to Heorot Hall offering his assistance with the pestRead MoreThe Religious Principles Of Beowulf1236 Words   |  5 PagesSyncretism is defined as the combination of different beliefs or practices. This term is an important topic within Beowulf, since the poem has obviously united two religious principles. Beowulf is dedicated to expressing and explaining the Germanic heroic code, but there are specific moments when Christianity and paganism over laps. Though Paganism focuses on victory, honor, and masculinity the author manages to add the act of forgiving your enemies, the significance of the monsters within the poemRead MoreThe Religious Themes Of The Epic Of Beowulf1485 Words   |  6 PagesIn Beowulf, two types of religion are portrayed by one unknown author, and play an important role in the interpretation of the epic poem. 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