Pagan and Christian Aspects of Beowulf

Beowulf is an epic poem featuring a conflict between pagan and Christian beliefs. Within this context there is a continuous theme of good versus evil. Beowulf is a Christian hero who is endowed with superhuman strengths representative of paganism. He battles Grendel and Grendel's mother, pagan monsters, whose lineage can be traced back to Cain, a biblical figure. Years later Beowulf takes on a monstrous dragon, a creature of pagan mythology. <Tab/&…

…The presence of pagan and Christian customs in Beowulf may seem like a conflict of interests, but it all flows together to make an entertaining story. This clash of polar beliefs was a sign of the times. When Beowulf was written Christianity was on the rise. It was spreading throughout Europe and eastern Asia. This increase in Christian beliefs coincided with the downfall of paganism. Both of these differing ideas were present throughout the poem.