Literary analysis – Beowulf-part 2

Pagan and Christian elements. The eighth-century poet who composed Beowulf lived in a
civilisation that had become Christian only a hundred or so years earlier. It is not surprising,
therefore, that for the characters and events of his story, he drew upon pagan legends and folk
tales. The magnificent monsters of Beowulf, for example, are derived from the trolls of
Scandinavian mythology, who were shadowy creatures that lurked around waterfalls or
caves. However, the Christian beliefs of the poets of England also pervade the poem. For
example, the poet disguises the true lineage of Grendel and his mother, giving them instead a
biblical origin:

…He [Grendel] was spawned in that slime,

Conceived by a pair of those monsters born
Of Cain, murderous creatures banished
By God, punished forever for the crime
Of Abel’s death…

In battling Grendel, Beowulf is not only a brave pagan warrior but also a Christian hero
challenging the forces of evil, the first such hero in a line that includes Sir Galahad of the
Round Table and the legendary Saint George, dragon slayer and patron saint of England.
The combat with Grendel’s mother, described in this second part, also reflects the weaving
together of pagan and Christian elements. The creature’s underwater lair and the magic sword
found by the hero are familiar elements in pagan folk tales. However, in Beowulf God plays a
role in the battle:
“…and Holy/God, who sent him victory, gave judgment/For truth and right…”

Recalling
1. Describe what happens when Beowulf attempts to fight the dragon alone.

Your response
2. Do you think that Beowulf has grown in stature as a hero? Please explain.

Interpreting
3. Does the behaviour of Grendel’s mother seem as wicked or unreasonable as Grendel’s
behaviour? Please explain.
4. Critics have praised the Beowulf poet’s skill at describing various settings. (a) Find a
passage in which the poet displays this skill. (b) Explain what makes the description so
effective.
5. (a) Compare and contrast the three battles. (b) In what ways are all three battles different
versions of the poem’s main conflict?

Applying
6. Many critics claim that Beowulf contains themes that are relevant to modern live. Do you
agree or disagree? Please explain your answer.

Understanding Anglo-Saxon poetry

In Beowulf we can see evidence of the Anglo-Saxon warrior culture, with its stress on
heroism, and Christianity’s emphasis on brotherly love and God’s compassion. For example,
in the combat with the dragon, Beowulf seeks “fame” like any self-respecting warrior. As he
is dying, however he thanks “Our Father in Heaven” for the opportunity to give his people
the treasure.
7. Reread the tribute to Beowulf in the last eight lines of the poem. Identify pagan and
Christian influences in the qualities for which the king is praised? Give reasons for your
conclusions.
8. A prominent Germanic pagan belief is that fame is the only thing that will survive a
human’s death. (a) What evidence do you find in this poem of the importance placed on
public esteem or reputation? (b) What value do you feel contemporary society places on
fame?
9. The poem contains many references to the blind and mysterious power of Wyrd, or Fate, as
in line 825. Do such references suggest pagan or Christian influence? Please explain.