Elements of Christianity in Beowulf Religion plays an important part in the story of Beowulf. Throughout the story you can find many Christian elements. The first element is, that man survives only through the protection of God. Second element is that all earthly gifts flow from God. The last element is that the proper bearing of man is to be humble and unselfish. An example of the element that man survives only though the protection of God is shown when Beowulf states “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me”.
He also states “Most often He has guided the man without friends”. Beowulf however strongly emphasizes that gods protection is not given it is earned. A warrior must show values such as pride, trustworthiness, courage, and honesty. After the warriors true colors have been revealed then will he earn the protection from God. In addition to protection, Beowulf believed that God gives any wealth or success. An example where this is demonstrated is when Beowulf is about to fight Grendel’s mother in her cave, Beowulf sees a weapon on the wall.
The credit of him being able to see this weapon hanging on the wall is given to God: “But the Wielder of Men granted me that I should see hanging on the wall a fair, ancient great-sword”. As the passage continues Hrothagar tells Beowulf that even the power of the king comes from God’s grace. “God had raised him in power, in the joys of strength, had set him up over all men”. The last element, the proper bearing of man is to be humble and unselfish is strongly enforced in Beowulf.
It means that you must receive gods grace thankfully. God does not need to bear you with gifts, success, or wealth. He does is because he loves and cherishes each and everyone one of his children. In conclusion, you can see through the many lines quoted what an important role Christianity played in the passage of Beowulf. Beowulf mentioned God many times through his battles and heart ship and also never took his graciousness for granted. Works Cited “Christian Elements in Beowulf. Christian Elements in Beowulf. N. p. , n. d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://csis. pace. edu/grendel/projs1d/CHRIST. html>. “Christianity and Paganism in Beowulf Essay | Christianity and Paganism in Beowulf. ” BookRags. BookRags, n. d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://www. bookrags. com/essay-2005/5/15/12587/9853>. “The Adventures of Beowulf. ” The Adventures of Beowulf. N. p. , n. d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. <http://www. lone-star. net/literature/beowulf/>.
