In Beowulf, we often see a clash between Christianity and paganism. Considering that it was written to demonstrate how Christian beliefs are superior to pagan ones, it would be strange if this wasn't seen. When Beowulf was written, Christians believed they were better than everyone else and disapproved of people with ideas different from theirs. Christians believe that there is only one God and think that Jesus was put on this planet to save us. Pagans believe there are many gods, but typically choose a specific one to worship and praise. Because of this difference, the two religions don't like each other very much. In the poem, we see the divide between Christianity and paganism through comparisons such as light versus darkness and good versus evil. Obviously, in this case, Christians are light and good, while pagans are evil and darkness. In this essay I will take a deeper look at this division and explain it. The gap between Christianity and paganism is most evident with the comparison between good and evil. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first villain readers encounter is Grendel, the terrifying beast that has been attacking Herot Hall for 12 years. “So times were pleasant for the people until at last one, a demon out of hell, began to work his evil in the world” (Heaney 9, lines 99-101). We see the good and happy Danish people terrorized by Grendel. Words like hell and evil both evoke negative emotions towards this monster. At the end, when the brave and strong Beowulf appears, Hrothgar is so grateful because Beowulf will try to help his people. Beowulf immediately demonstrates in the fight that he will win. “The captain of evil found himself in a harder hold than any he had ever met with any man on the face of the earth” (Heaney 51, lines 749-752). Readers see that Beowulf will be the hero, or good, who saves the Danish people from the evil monster. Grendel is destroyed in an extremely quick fight and it appears that Christianity has won, but another pagan threat lurks. . Grendel's mother is the next monster Beowulf must fight and is described as "a monstrous hell-bride" (Heaney 89, 1259). With words like these, we know she will be evil and she is. He kills one of Hrothgar's trusted advisors, so Beowulf goes to his home in a haunted valley, seeking revenge. After a more difficult fight, Beowulf wins, proving that Christianity is still supreme. The last battle Beowulf fights in is the most difficult. After reading the line “for the vile skywing would leave nothing living in his wake” (Heaney 157, lines 2314-2315), we know that this villain is the worst yet. After the fight is over, we see that both Beowulf and the dragon have been mortally wounded. It seems to be the end of both Christianity and paganism, but suddenly Beowulf gives up his pair to Wiglaf. This not only symbolizes a new king of Geatland, but shows that Christianity lives on and paganism is defeated. The other comparison seen in this poem is between light and darkness. Usually, while they fight the monster, the scene is dark, but immediately after they are killed there is light. For example: “A light appeared and the place lit up as the sky does when the heavenly candle shines clearly. ” (Lines 1570-1572). This phrase is seen right after Grendel's mother is killed and beheaded. It almost seems as if God has sent light into the darkest places to show that Christianity has won there. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers Get a custom essay Before.