Beowulf as a Christ-like Figure

pagan elements. The world pictured in Beowulf is dominated by warriors, men who placed their faith primarily in two things -- their leader (their "thane") and in "wyrd" (a

Christianity in Beowulf

in defending his people. It is a story that has its origins in pagan culture, but it was recorded by a Christian scribe (Saupe 97). Therefore there are "overlays" that

Beowulf/Its Culture

existed between a warrior and his "thane," that is, his liege lord. The concept of thane is not precisely synonymous with "king," as the relationship is founded on mutual feelings

Beowulf and Grendel/Then and Now

Grendel is the stuff of pure myth. He is the amorphous evil that has no shape, yet is deadly. The monsters sole purpose is to provide a worthy adversary against

13th Warrior/A Beowulf Retelling

of King Hrothgar in defeating a man-eating monster, Grendel, who is terrorizing his people and killing his warriors each night. There is, likewise, a similar threat to King Hrothgars people.

Beowulf and the Matter of Perspective

bravery and loyalty in Anglo-Saxon culture, will become the primary focus of the entire work. To understand the mechanism of this change, it is first necessary to understand the role

Beowulf as the Ideal Leader

"Hrothgar O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here" possessed of his "nerve and...might" (VI). He tells Hrothgar that he will do whatever is necessary even if "if death must take

Beowulf

also showing caution, at least at first, concerning Beowulf. The first excerpt to be examined shows Hrothgar speaking to Beowulf: "For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, to succor and save,

Comparative Analysis of Grendel and the Dragon in the Medieval Poem, “Beowulf”

was the devil incarnate: "At the dawning, as day was breaking, / the might of Grendel to men was known; / then after wassail was wail uplifted, /

THE MONSTERS OF BEOWULF AND THEIR FUNCTION

through numerous means, especially contrast and comparions. Grendel is shown to be totally without honor and is wild. "Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his

English literature from Beowulf to Pope

offers a rather broader depiction of the society of his time: society has become more diverse, since Chaucers pilgrims represent numerous different lifestyles and degrees of social standing. The warrior

STYLISTIC DEVICES IN EPIC POEMS

chronicle their initial assessment of one another. The Queen also has her say on the matter. Historically speaking, what these sections serve to do is show the importance of

Beowulf as Christian and Christian Elements in the Poem “Beowulf”

overall situation and conflict between the pagan and Christian religions which existed in England at that time. The heavy Christian influence in the poem however, is reflected in the Christian

The Epic “Beowulf”

text, a supernatural force, and the celebration of the hero. Structurally speaking, an epic is "a long narrative poem on a great and serious subject" (Lucas). A primary epic

Beowulf & Odysseus/Ancient Heroes

inhabitants of England with the Christian influence that were undoubtedly added by the unknown poet who set the oral epic to paper. Nevertheless, despite the additions of Christian influence, the