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Christianity In Beowulf Essay

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Even though there are many examples of christianity in the poem, it points more towards pagan beliefs because of the time of creation, the fact that it talks about vengeance, the ancient belief in wyrd, the use and naming of swords,and the tradition of ship burials . Beowulf was written in the anglo-saxon period by an unknown anglo saxon poet. It is best known by the scholars as The Beowulf Poet. When the poem was written it was influenced by paganism even though christianity is prevalent amongst its verses.

Anglo-saxon were invaders of britain (Angles, saxons and jutes) these were all Germanic tribes. These tribes worshiped Gods like Odin: God of death, Fria:goddess of home,Tiu: God of war, thor: God of thunder and Frigga: queen of the heavens. …show more content…

“And another item lent by Unferth at that moment of need was of no small importance: the brehon handed him a hilted weapon, a rare and ancient sword named Hrunting. The iron blade with its ill-boding patterns had been tempered in blood. It had never failed the hand of anyone who hefted it in battle, anyone who had fought and faced the worst in the gap of danger” (lines 1455-1463).The sword had some carving. Back in that time swords were carved with prayer and runes to protect the people that used them. It was also treated as a sacred object not only by the person who used it but also by the community. Lastly at the beginning of the poem another aspect of paganism is presented. “they stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear. I never heard before of a ship so well furbished with battle tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far on out into the ocean 's sway.” (line 34-42) Ship burials were a pagan practice in the anglo-saxon

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