Paganism vs. Christianity
The epic poem Beowulf is a tale that has been changed over time to try and express a Christian moral. While this transformation over time has added a new variable to the plot, it is impossible to try and erase the original pagan plot completely. The original pagan elements are clearly visible, as are the added elements of Christianity, through the actions of the different characters. The fact that Christianity and paganism are so closely intertwined in the poem is the reason for so many Christian and Pagan influences. The Christian influences were combined with the early folklore and heroic legends of German tribes. Beowulf as a whole allows the reader to identify the aspects of both religions, whether they are different and the same. Beowulf effectively combines pagan and Christian elements to demonstrate the morals of the time period.
Beowulf himself has many pagan characteristics along with Christian morals. He wants to help people, demonstrating......
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Approximate Word Count: 712
Approximate Pages: 3 (260 words per double-spaced page) |