Christian and pagan values in Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon culture

¶ … embedded values within the Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon communities through their fundamental belief systems. In particular, it seeks to uncover the underlying similarities as also the divergence apparent in the cultures by addressing the implication of embracing the Christian religion to the Anglo-Saxon successors who followed the traditional belief in Norse gods by the Germanic ethnic group and the culture of a heroic fighter that are still living under extremely risky circumstances. This paper uses the epic 'Beowulf' to highlight the correspondence between the two cultures.

The writer of this poem was unenlightened, Anglo-Saxon and of the Christian faith. He used the character of Beowulf to talk about the factors regarding culture and Christ, which still affect us. The writer strives to bring out the similarities between Christ and Beowulf through concerted effort: From Beowulf's simple "baptism," his assumed demise at a time the poet called "ninth hour," followed by his "resurrection," to the time when he battles a dragon, where he is accompanied by his twelve friends, and is betrayed by one while the rest abandon him. There is only one, however, who does not abandon him; Wiglaf. The obvious reference is to John, Christ's dearly loved disciple (Williams, 2007).

Beowulf: The Poem

The principles of good leadership by the Anglo-Saxon are also found in today's political process in America. There is a part in the poem that points out the method for being politically productive. It talks about a certain good prince, "by giving splendid gifts while still in his father's house makes sure that later in life beloved companions will stand by him that the people will serve him when war comes" (Bobr, n.d.). Most people prefer to elect those candidates who appear to give them the greatest tangible returns, like a needed or sought legislation or reduction of tax. In addition, people in support of a certain candidate hope to be rewarded with favours in case they win, the same way bribes and gifts are used as a way of maintaining trust and loyalty. The notion of smear campaigning was entrenched firmly in the culture of the Anglo-Saxon. This is evident where Unferth resorts to disambulation of the facts regarding the competition between Breca and Beowulf: "for he would not allow that any other man of middle-earth should ever achieve more glory under the heavens than himself"(Bobr, n.d.)

The poet possibly seeks to imply that Beowulf can represent Christ-like people in the modern world. The theme appears quite strange, but it is realistic when you compare all the Anglo-Saxon heroes with Beowulf. Modern-day readers do not understand this idea well, since we have no exposure to the outdated culture of warriors. Beowulf is unique; he does not murder his own, or because of selfishness or drunkenness. His only aim as a warrior is to protect the blameless and frail. He makes a Battle Boast, where he hits a radically foreign note. Instead of bragging that it is his own superiority and prowess that will save the day, Beowulf says, "I will fight Grendel, and may the true God [not the one named Fate from the movie] then assign victory to whoever pleases him." Beowulf, in his boast says that in case he wins, all the glory is not his but God's. We modern people may find this ironic, but Beowulf is different from the other warriors, like a painful thumb, as a specifically humble person. The poet sees Beowulf as the kind of Christ-like hero this generation requires. This is due to his acknowledgement of God as the giver of his strength, uses it to do good deeds instead of selfish aggrandisement, and glorifies God for it (Williams, 2007).

The study of this poem and of the character of Beowulf (in its relevance to Christ) is confirmed by comparing it "The Dream of the Rood," in which the Anglo-Saxon cleverly depicts Christ as heroic. Christ, in this case, is seen not as a victim of circumstances, but as the one in charge of the happenings during his crucifixion. The Cross has the power to bear Christ as a result of his own strength, and being a heroic conqueror, he is said to have "mounted the cross to redeem mankind" (emphasis is required here). If this was how the Anglo-Saxon Christians saw Christ, then Beowulf represents the Christ-like person quite satisfyingly (Williams, 2007).

Discussion

Beowulf, as a hero, can be described as a perfect fit for the desired Anglo-Saxon hero (unselfish sacrifice for his king or tribe, exceptional strength in serving justice). On the other hand, Grendel, represents characteristics that go against the heroic code of the Anglo-Saxon; the consequences of misguided or uncontrolled violence or aggression. Grendel and Beowulf are both closely related in the lives of the society's warrior, but they need to be controlled carefully, for them to achieve the societal goals. The monsters in the poem represent the evil that warriors can resort to in different facets of life (Hawkins, 2016). The movie may be fun to watch, but it is not different from other such works, adapted from an exceptional book, where the directors make major changes within their creative license, ruining the meaning in it for the people who have read the original work.