The poem Beowulf marks a period of change in the history of England, namely the introduction of Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons, which led to a newfound interest in literacy. In the 7th century, northern Irish monks were active in the propagation of Christianity, aided by the mission of Augustine, who in the same period extended his see in the south to the Anglian kingdoms of the north. These Irish missionaries did more than simply spread religion. They created famous schools, where many of their converts were educated. The Roman church also brought a love of books and learning to the country, educating the people in the languages ​​of Latin and Greek (Lawrence 7). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Although many of the concepts in Beowulf reflect attitudes from Anglo-Saxon pagan times, it still contains many recently introduced Christian themes; themes that occasionally clash with older values ​​(Irving 21). Before Christianity reached its peak in the medieval period, traits such as heroism and arrogance could be admired, as long as one did not get too close to the gods and heaven. Early Christian writers such as St. Augustine were instrumental in turning people away from pagan attitudes, including worldly arrogance and the desire for wealth. Although some aspects of pagan attitudes are still hidden within Beowulf, its Christian values ​​are clear. Most scholars believe that Beowulf was written by a Christian author, who was most likely a monk, which explains the poem's attempts to instill Christian morality in the reader. Everything that happens in Beowulf can be attributed to the grace of God, whether it is victory in battle or the taking of spoils after a victory. For example, after Beowulf and his men finished their journey to Denmark, they "thanked God for that easy crossing over a calm sea" (227-28); and before his battle with Grendel, he says, "Whatever death befalls he must deem it a righteous judgment from God" (440-41). After Grendel's defeat, Beowulf states that he, “ . . . he was granted the glory of victory" (817-18). In addition to Beowulf's acknowledgment of God in everything he does, he also appears to have a mystical protection that protects all of his actions. At the same time, Beowulf realizes that this protection must be earned, particularly through his values: courage, honesty, pride, and humility. An example of how God protects Beowulf occurs when he opens a treasure that the ancients had cast a spell on. Beowulf is somehow able to open the treasure without any effect, as it is protected by God (Irving 87). Biblical Symbols and References to Christianity in "Beowulf" Perhaps more interesting than the history of Christianity and its effects on Beowulf are the numerous biblical symbols and references in the text. One of the first and most obvious biblical references is the story of Cain and Abel. Grendel, who in the ancient version of this story probably took on a more demonic role, is transformed by the Christian author into a descendant of Cain. The monster is described as a demon from hell, "evil by nature" and "never showing remorse" (137). Nature in this sense takes on a new meaning. It does not simply refer to the world around us, but refers to the divine nature that is believed to govern the world. Grendel, “bears both the mark of Cain and the wrath of God.” He is often called a refugee banished to the wilderness for the murder of this brother, as were the Anglo-Saxon outlaws of that time (Irving 47-48). Grendel's descriptions are inducingclearly the reader to identify him with darkness and evil, and therefore as an opponent of God. There is also a subtle reference to the resurrection of Jesus and God, the Father in the description when: “Rothgar, observing the water of the lake, saw a rise and surge of waves and blood in the surf. They bowed their gray heads, spoke in their sage, experienced much of the good warrior, as they never expected to see that prince return in triumph to their king” (1592-58). The blood that Hrothgar sees rising upwards is similar to that of Jesus, and when Beowulf is found alive, it is symbolic of the Christian resurrection. The author of Beowulf gives Beowulf's mother high esteem, saying that God must have "bestowed upon her a grace" and that she produced a "flower of manhood," a further parallel between Jesus and Beowulf. There are also references to the great flood that occurred in the Book of Genesis. Take for example this passage describing Beowulf's sword: It was engraved all over and showed how war first came to the world and the flood destroyed the tribe of giants. They suffered a terrible separation from the Lord; the Almighty raised the waters and drowned them in the flood as punishment (1687-93). The author of Beowulf suggests that the makers of the sword were the descendants of those who tricked God into causing the flood, and perhaps even suggesting that they were descendants of Cain. Ironically, at the beginning of the passage the giants were mentioned in a positive way. This brings us to some of the Christian contradictions that appear in Beowulf. In the author's attempt to Christianize Beowulf, there are undoubtedly some remnants of the pagan ideology from which the poem emerged. When offerings are made to the idols, one of the ancient pagan gods is requested to save them from the terror of Grendel, and the carved images of boars on the warriors' helmets serve as good luck charms, an apparently non-Christian idolatrous practice. There are also traces of the poem's pagan ancestry in the description of Grendel's descendants who, although simply assumed to be descended from Cain, are described as: “. . . fatherless creatures. . . all their ancestors are hidden in a past of ghosts and demons” (1355-57). Yet another example of how paganism and Christianity mix in the poem occurs during Beowulf's death. The author makes no mention of Beowulf's cremation, an act that Christianity would surely condemn. As he gazes upon the afterlife that his Christian God will provide, Beowulf thinks about killing his kin, a Germanic sin that he begins to believe could prevent him from entering heaven (Irving 113). So instead of talking more about the sweet afterlife Beowulf will have, the poet focuses on Beowulf and the dragon lying side by side, painting a rather pagan picture of Beowulf's death (Irving 88). The author chooses to mix Christian symbols and practices with their pagan counterparts, rather than remaining faithful to one or the other. The religion of the characters is not that of firmness, but seems to be imposed on them by force. According to Beowful critic William Lawerence, “the poorest and weakest parts of the poem are found among the decidedly Christian passages. The only naive thing about the poem is its theology. Here is untested material and a childish attitude towards a new faith" (Lawrence 9). Keep in mind: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Beowulf is in fact an Anglo-Saxon pagan poem transformed into pseudo-Christian poetry by a Christian author there are indeed many Christian elements in this poem, but when compared with the reality of the pagan times in which Beowulf is set, it becomes unrealistic to believe that they could coexist, and., 1950.