God and fate are mentioned throughout the epic poem “Beowulf,” and in multiple ways, Beowulf himself is a God/Christ-like figure. There are many times you can draw comparisons between the story of “Beowulf” and the Bible. BACKGROUND There are three main points that display Beowulf as unearthly: when he arrives in Heorot, his God-given powers and qualities, and his generosity and humility..THESIS Beowulf is treated like a god when arriving in Heorot. Upon his arrival, Beowulf's worth is not questioned when he arrives in Heorot, and he is instantly respected by the coast guard (Beowulf 14-16). The coast guard even offered to look after his boat (Beowulf 17)! This is exactly like Matthew 2:11, “And going into the house they saw the child with …show more content…
Countries and regions with monarchies often believe that their rulers are chosen by fate and God to rule, and Beowulf is a prince in line to be king (Beowulf 20). REFERENCEThis would mean that God had to personally select him. In Hrothgar's last speech to Beowulf, he said “We can easily forget our powers are God-given”(Beowulf 86). Hrothgar also says “How the lord in heaven must have blessed you”(Beowulf 86). Both of these quotes implied that Hrothgar thinks that Beowulf has been gifted by God himself.EXPLANATION Beowulf also uses his powers to serve God, Hrothgar says, “We can easily forget that our powers are God-given and should be used only in his service” (Beowulf 86). 1 Samuel 12:24 says, “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” Beowulf uses his powers to “serve” God, just like Jesus. Beowulf and Jesus share many qualities, mostly leadership and loyalty. Beowulf and Jesus are both considered royalty; Beowulf is a prince for most of the book, but in the end he is the king of the Geats, and Jesus is the king of Jews (John 19:3). Jesus remains loyal to his disciples, and he is loyal to God. Beowulf is also loyal to God, and he is loyal to his …show more content…
Although Beowulf was a warrior, he was still a good person at heart. One quote from the text is “Beowulf was like this; fierce in battle, but generous and thoughtful in spirit (Beowulf 88). The bible says that Jesus is 100% god, and 100% human, meaning that Jesus is perfect, but he still has emotions. When Beowulf goes to battle, it’s always for a good reason. EVIDENCE.In Hrothgar’s last speech he says “Stay as generous and peaceable as you are, Beowulf. Do not become as other heroes have before you, so tuned to battle that a thirst for blood consumes you. DICTION This proves that Beowulf was going to battle for a reason that benefited the people! Many people may argue that Beowulf was not humble, and bragged for fame and glory. But when Beowulf spoke about his accomplishments, the people became hopeful again. “All their long-lingering sorrow was banished as Hrothgar and his Thanes listened to Beowulf's brave words and, looking upon him, no one there doubted for one moment that Beowulf could achieve and would achieve all he promised.” QUOTE (Beowulf 24). CITEThat quote sounds like a quote from the bible, (Luke 10:38-42) "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister
Lessons in Faith from Beowulf “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) This quote from the Bible tells us that anything is possible through Christ, which is a key element in the book Beowulf. Beowulf is an epic, who battles many monsters and during this we can be taught lessons. Though Beowulf encounters many challenging trials, he always overcomes them through his faith in God.
“You are, so to speak, the brute existent by which they learn to define themselves” (Gardner 73). Solomon notes that fate is fixed, no matter what, it cannot change. Secondly, Beowulf is a depiction of the “New Christ” so has to be a war hero. Historically, the Christian faith had predicted that the Messiah was to be a war hero. The fight is given detail in the poem by “But Beowulf grappled and gripped him hard, / Struggled up on his elbow the shepherd of sins…”
He explained that he was sent from God to bring everlasting peace. I symbolized Beowulf to Jesus Christ because they both wanted to help the greater good of the people. Beowulf influenced his worthiness to King Hrothgar, so that he could defeat the Grendel. Jesus Christ also tried to influence, as well as lead the Romans to everlasting life. Beowulf tried with all his might to let him help the country of Rome, and his motivation for the spread of good represents the messiah to
In other words, was it out of benevolence or selfishness? Beowulf uses his talents out of benevolence because the battles he fights are on behalf of others, he automatically responds to trouble without being called, and he only thinks of his kingdom. To begin with, Beowulf uses his talents for benevolence because the battles he fights are on behalf of someone else. According to lines
This shows Beowulf’s loyalty to his king, whom he supports his king through his actions. To continue, Beowulf is loyal to his God throughout the epic poem. This loyalty is evident when Beowulf asks God to grant him the request to “alone and with the help of many men, may purge all evil from [Hrothgar’s] hall.” Evidently, Beowulf’s fixed loyalty to his God leads him to help his God fulfill his duty.
Beowulf was a hero to his people. He did so many outstanding things like for example defeat Grendel. He did what nobody else could. During that time Grendel was killing many innocent people because of his anger towards God for being punished forever for the crime of Abel’s death. There King Hrothgar lost so many people he finally wanted it to stop and that is when Beowulf came in.
It however is not shown in the same way. Since Beowulf is seen as someone coming to save the town he is obviously seen as a stereotypical hero. He tries to save the not as capable like every other story hero, they kill the dragon to save the town, or fight the villain to get what is theirs. He looks to be doing the right thing. The heroism however is false because of his intentions.
Beowulf is an arrogant man who constantly tries to surpass all other men. The hero is fueled by his greed for power, and boasts of his greatness before battling Grendel. “‘My people… have seen my strength for themselves,/
Not only have we seen brute strength, honorable courage, and admirable loyalty shine through beowulf, Beowulf also possess a great trait not many others have; his will to fight to the death, or self sacrifice. Not once throughout the story did Beowulf ever turn down a battle. Not once did he fear or flee his enemy. Not once did he ever give up even if death had him by the throat causing his mind to flood nothing but fearful thoughts and feelings throughout his body. Every battle Beowulf fought, he fought as if it was his last and that is what truly makes him the great warrior he is.
Beowulf attempted to comfort Hrothgar and the warriors by exclaiming, “Let your sorrow end! It is better for us all to avenge our friends, not mourn them forever”. He then aims to convince Hrothgar that “for the glory of his name, fame after death is the noblest of goals”. Beowulf believes it is worth dying for a good
He has true honor and respectfully distributes treasure and gifts to those whom he believes rightfully deserves them. Beowulf’s loyalty to the Danes helps shed light on his true character. He expresses that he believes he may die in battle between Grendel, but that does not dissuade him from fighting the beast. Another example is when Hygelac dies, Beowulf is asked to take the throne. In doing so, that would mean the the son of Hygelac would be stripped of his own inheritance, which is dishonorable in Beowulf’s eyes, and thus he declines the offer.
Beowulf is a strong heroic hero who shows honor,selfless,courage. Beowulf is a strong heroic hero in a way because heroes are protectors and he protected his people of his town. So he is a hero in fact a strong one and a loyal one. There is lots of ways he shows loyalty one i can show is “I had a fixed purpose when i came to sea as i sat in the boat with my band of men I meant to perform to the uttermost what your people wanted or perish in attempt in the fields clutches i shall fulfill my purpose prove myself of proud deeds or meat my death her in the mead-hall”(pages 632-639).I chose this quote because it shows that beowulf would give his head for his people. I think that beowulf wanted to die for his king after all that is the reason
“But God’s dread loom was woven with defeat for the monster, good fortune| help against Grendel was with them| through the might of a single man they would win” (Raffel, 696-9). Beowulf is supported by the help of God and his comitatus to defeat Grendel. Beowulf also had faith in his comitatus that they would have his back. To the people Beowulf is the help against Grendel they are looking for and believed he could lead them away from darkness. Jesus is loyal to his disciples and is loyal to God.
And may the Divine Lord / In His wisdom grant victory / To whichever side He sees fit.” (685-687). What Beowulf states illustrates his complete trust and faith in God and his plan, and he understands that his strength comes from God and all his accomplishments
He knew what they had tholed, the long times and troubles they'd come through without a leader; so the Lord of Life, the glorious Almighty, made this man renowned." This quote describes how God played a large role in the success of Beowulf. Assuming that all acts of heroism proven successful are really acts of God. Thus, leaving you thinking success must be a form of divine assistance, in the hands of God. The poem takes on both beliefs of Paganism and Christianity.