Christianity Essay, Research Paper
During the early middle age the civilizations in Briton did not have a religion. They were between pagan and Christianity. In the epic Beowulf the culture is predominately Christian.
One aspect of Christianity is shown when they state words pertaining to the Christian religion. ?He spawned in that slime, conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God, punish for the crime of Abel?s death. The Almighty drove those demons out, and their exile (Beowulf Advent 11). Talking about the creature Grendel who attacked the Danes for 12 years. They believed that there was a God and he cast judgement upon that creature. Grendel would attack Hrothgar?s men, but he wouldn?t attack Hrothgar. ?He never dared touch king Hrothgar?s glorious throne, protected by God?God whose love Grendel could not know (Beowulf Advent 11).? Hrothgar knew and believed that God protected him.
When Beowulf arrived to fight Grendel he said ?Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life against the monster. God must decide who will be given to death cold grip (Beowulf Advent 15).? Beowulf left it up to God to decide who would win the battle and had faith that God chose him to win. Thus proving they believed in God.
When Beowulf returned from the battle with Grendel?s Mother he again gives reference to God for his success. ?I barely escaped with my life from that combat under the water, the risk was enormous; our counter would have ended at once if God had not guarded me (Beowulf Lit 1310). He also thanks God for letting him see the sword he used to kill Grendel?s mom. ?Mighty though it is, Hrunting was no use in the battle; but the Ruler of men?how often he guards me the friendless one?granted that I should see a huge ancestral sword hanging, shining on the wall; unbleashed it (Beowulf Lit 1310).? He says God is always helping him and he guides him the right way.
Beowulf is predominately Christian they are always giving reference to God. They acknowledge that he is there and he is the one guiding them to victory. They know he is the Ruler of man and anything can be done through him
Beowulf . Adventures in English Literature. Ed. Leopold Domrosch.
NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1980. 2-20
Beowulf. Literature of the Western World. Eds. Brian Wilkie & James Hunt
NY: Macmillan, 1992. 1271-1432