Pagan and Christian Rituals in Beowulf :: Epic Beowulf christbeo paganbeo

heathenish and Christian Rituals in Beowulf Beowulf was written in a time when Christianity was a newly budding religion in England. Throughout the book there ar obvious references to both Christian and Pagan rituals. The characters in the epic argon newly found Christians who ar trying to remain true to their new belief yet are weak and hence, in times of great trouble, they resort back to their Pagan traditions and gods out of tending. Pagan rituals in the book are usually confront only as reflections of the past or in times of the characterss superlative turmoil. Otherwise, in times of happiness and rejoicing, they worship their one, almighty, Christian God. When Grendel is attacking Herot, and its plenty think they are in their greatest danger, the peck of Herot sacrificed to the old gem gods / Made heathen vows / hoping for Hells Support, the Devils guidance in driving their affliction off. (175-178). With the handling of the word old in this section, i t can be inferred that the stone gods are things of the past. The rest of the passage shows that it was because of the doubt and fear, instilled in the people by Grendel, that the people of Herot regressed back to their old gods. The use of the word heathen shows that the soldiers were already Christian and reverted back to their old ways. Soon after this statement, the poem reads Beware, those who are knife thrust into danger, Clutched at by trouble, yet can carry no console In their hearts, cannot hope to be better Hail To those who will scratch to God, drop off Their dead bodies and seek our Fathers peace This says that the people whose fear consumes them to the point that they lose faith that, after death, their souls will not be granted eternal peace by the Father, God. This illustrates that the soldiers who have fallen from faith in their worship are doing so only because of great fear, but that they are looked down upon by God and good Christians. It sa ys that only those who will sacrifice themselves and trust in God will be permit into Heaven. These