Beowulf Essay, Research Paper
In the heroic heroic poem Beowulf, there are assorted illustrations of spiritual beliefs, both Christian and heathen. These illustrations play a major function in the narrative, and include things such as God s love ( Christian ) and doing forfeits to several Gods ( heathen ) . Explanations of these beliefs are necessary to understand this heroic poem and here six of these beliefs will be discussed, three Christian and three heathen.
One of the many Christian beliefs is expressed at the beginning of the narrative, when the creative activity of the Earth is explained. The heroic poem describes creative activity by stating that The Almighty ( God ) made and shaped the Earth. The account given lucifers that of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. This belief is used to assist present Grendel and where he came from.
Another Christian belief is used when king Hrothgar s throne is described as being protected by God. Royal ownerships, and even royal members themselves, were ordained, hence pure, clean, and protected. Such patterns still exist today. However, merely royalty and spiritual figures are said to be ordained.
One last show of a Christian belief is shown at the terminal of the narrative, in which the work forces are said to hold congratulations to God for the psyche of the fallen to be able to do it to Heaven. Many Christians give congratulations and supplication to God at their darling s funeral to assist in their healing and give confidences that the psyche of the dead will be safe and protected on their journey to Heaven.
Not merely are Christian beliefs displayed in B
eowulf, but besides heathen patterns are used. A first of these is the rite of giving to the rock Gods, the devising of pagan vows, trusting for Hell s support, and the Devil s counsel in driving the warriors affliction away. This affliction was Grendel. Such actions were resorted upon when none of their supplications to God were apparently answered.
A 2nd heathen exercising is done when Grendel attacks the first Geat, and drinks the Geats blood from his venas, and so snarl his oral cavity shut, killing the Geat. Pagan patterns such as imbibing of another s, or a victim s blood, are believed to give the drinker all the unfortunate s powers and cognition. Even more, some believe this act gives the drinker the victim s psyche. Pagans believe this deathly drink makes them stronger, and in some instances godly.
One of the biggest and concluding heathen beliefs is given at the terminal of the heroic poem, when Beowulf s organic structure is burned. Pagans believe this combustion releases the spirit to go on to the afterworld. Many believe this besides helps halt enemies from catching the organic structure and spirit.
Numerous Christian and heathen beliefs are given in Beowulf, and many can be interpreted as both Christian and heathen. Following both faiths back to their roots in history shows that most Christian beliefs have heathen parents ; this significance that those beliefs were adopted and incorporated into Christian rites. No 1 belief can be traced back to its beginning and said to be purely Christian or pagan. Many are intermingled and left to be understood by the practician.
