Christian Allusions In Beowulf

Beowulf, Old English, Anglo Saxton poetry. A distinguished pagan poem that is rich in heroic meaning, and contains vivid Christian allusions. There is considerable scholarly discussions concerning the concept of Christianity in Beowulf. Some scholars see it as an early celebration of Christianity, and others see it as if the Christian references were added after thoughts that simply replaced heroic. The heroic/Christian world is the context for Beowulf. There is no mention of Jesus in Beowulf, but references to God are based on The Old Testament of The Bible. Beowulf, is a great heroic poem influenced by Christian philosophy. Beowulf, a great, “…heavily heroic, pagan poem influenced by Christian philosophy” (Skill 2). Harold Bloom, editor

“Pope Gregory, who served from 590 to 604, encouraged Christian missionaries to absorb pagan tradition into Christian ritual in order to promote a smooth transition for the pagans (Bloom 8). The heroic/Christian world is the context for the poem. Grendel who, “…grieved not at all for his wicked deeds” (ll. 136-37), as well as the thanes who, “were ignorant of God/knew not how to worship our protector above” (ll. 181-82). The demon, Grendel, is too deeply engrossed in his lonely war, his jealous hatred of mankind’s joy over the “song of creation” (ll.90-98), because it tells the beauty and the light of God’s creation, which condemns him, “…the God-cursed brute..”(ll.121). The Thanes revert back to paganism and, “…offer sacrifices to heathen gods and speak old words designed to ward off evil” (Skill 20). Some scholars argue that the thanes are Christians, but ‘backsliding” to pagan tradition under duress, the stress of Grendel’s ruthless, brutal raids, and killings for twelve years. Nothing stops the wrath of Grendel, they need,”…the strongest of all living men” (l. 196), Beowulf, “a comfort sent by God to that nation” (l. 196), to rescue