Christianity in Beowulf
Beowulf is set in between the years of 480 as well as 520 c.e., however it’s not actually written down up until around 1000 c.e. This is a problem due to the fact that the poet is a Christian, however the characters belong to a non-Christian belief system. By having a Christian poet, non-Christian characters, as well as including Christian styles, a void is being built in between the current spread of Christianity and faiths of the past.
Possibly one of the most noticeable manner ins which the poet is able to develop a partnership between the existing times (around 1000 c.e.) and the earlier times (480-520 c.e.) is by having a God-like storyteller. One point that the audio speaker does throughout the poem is describe how Beowulf will certainly meet his fate. As an example, “In its bosom lay/ numerous prize, which were to travel,/ far with him into the keeping of the flooding” (Beowulf 40-42). This makes the storyteller God-like in a feeling that he has the ability to inform the viewers what will certainly happen in the future. The omniscient perspective that the storyteller sheds light on Christianity in a subtle way without preaching.
Another method the poet develops a Christian presence in the message is relating Grendel to Cain, a personality in the holy bible. In Grendel’s intro, he’s revealed as a “grim spirit” that’s a descendant of Cain, and disallowed by the “Creator” (Beowulf 106-107). By recognizing the scriptures, the author is relating the characters, such as Grendel, and also probably Grendel’s mother, back to the Christian confidence. Likewise, by contrasting Grendel to Cain, the poet indirectly suggests that Beowulf is figure of Christian hope.
Finally, after Beowulf returns victorious from whichever journey he’s finished, such as defeating Grendel’s mother, the glory is given to God. After he beats Grendel’s mommy, the speaker claims, “divine God/ brought about war-victory– the smart Lord,/ Leader of the paradises, decided it appropriately,/ quickly, when he stood again” (Beowulf 1553-1556). This is significant because it recommends that Beowulf’s power come with the Christian God. By praising God for Beowulf success, the writer is putting his Christian perfects into the otherwise non-Christian text.
By being a god fearing personality, beating Grendel, as well as giving thanks to God for his success, Beowulf himself reveals characteristics of a guy that is deeply rooted in the Christian belief, however Christianity was not widespread during the time that this was set in. Finally, in Beowulf, the writer loop his Christian belief with characters and stories that are of non-Christian idea in order to expand and shed light on Christianity.