Beowulf
Join now to read essay Beowulf
Beowulf is a biography possibly written about a real or mythical individual, in which nothing is known of the exact date or author. In this biography, there is Beowulf a strong Geat warrior and hero. As a hero he is both portrayed as a savior-like figure in a pagan since, but as a warrior sent to do God’s work in a Christian sense.
From a pagan viewpoint (the beliefs of the ancient Greeks could be considered pagan) you first see Beowulf and his men arrive in a warship dressed in full armor. And after revealing his motives to the watch guard he and his men are lead to the mead hall. Here and throughout the ballad there are tales of old, creatures cursed and plagued, people who lost their land to invaders, and other stories of honor and valor. All these tales show the old views of belief on how a warrior should act based on pagan views from the Norse and other Germanic tribes. Also, Beowulf is portrayed as a fame seeker looking for worldly glory, recognition, and wealth. It is Beowulf himself that put down this notion replying to Unferth (in regards to his sea battle and Breca’s demise) “Now I cannot recall any fight you entered, Unferth, that bears comparison. I don’t boast when I say that neither you nor Breca were ever much celebrated for swordsmanship or for facing danger on the field of battle. You killed your own kith and kin, so for all you cleverness and quick tongue, you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell” (page 39 lines 582-589).
Beowulf, with no regard speaks this in complete truth and in defense of his honor basically saying “I don’t kill for pleasure or boasting rights,” thereby showing principle. This principle can be seen coming from Christian views, already presented, such as, “…but blessed is he who after death can approach the Lord and find friendship in the fathers embrace,” (lines 186-188) or the explanation of Grendel’s relationship with Cane. Line 1690, “The flood destroyed the tide of giants,” suggests the giants, who were fallen angles, were destroyed by a great flood sent by the Lord. Apart from Beowulf himself, there are allusions to the Bible, such King Heremond and