Beowulf And The Germanic Heroic Code Of Values, Traditions, And Customs

Beowulf is one of the most well-known poems in the world. It is considered the “mother poem” of England and has been for centuries. Christianity and Paganism do not go hand in hand as they are both well distinguished, but opposites throughout Beowulf. In the poem, the Christian monk reveals how the characters react to different situations using both religions. The core values of Paganisms believe in retaliation and vengeance, whereas Christianity’s core values signify forgiveness. Both of these attributes contradict each other through the course of the poem because the warriors look to God for guidance and protection before battle. However, when things do not go as planned they then blame it on fate. The “unknown author” in Beowulf distinguishes both religions in the poem by providing symbolism and ideologies for both Christianity and Paganism and how they contradict one another.

Beowulf, the leader of the Geats warrior tribe, portrayed the perfect type of hero. It is obvious that he portrays the natural hero role through his confidence and strength. He first displays his leadership skills whenever he felt called to come help Hrothgar and his monster problem. By using his strength, he defeated Grendel. His loyalty came about when Grendel’s came back and terrorized the town and hurt the king’s best companion. Beowulf continued to fight because he felt that this was his responsibility. Beowulf also portrays loyalty to his homeland by giving his gifts to the the king and queen. When King Higlac died, the position of King was presented to Beowulf. But he denied the position because the King’s son was still alive and deserved to the rightful heir to the throne. But

The literary work of Beowulf is believed, by many, to contain numerous attributes of Christian propaganda. Throughout the story of Beowulf, there are several circumstances and coincidences that distinctly relate to the Christian belief system. One can only imagine that these ideas of Christian propaganda; which include the use of Christian themes and beliefs in works of literary art, were strategically placed throughout the story of Beowulf to help the conversion from the old world pagan religious belief system to the Christian beliefs of the new world.

Christianity arrived in Northern Europe over one thousand years ago. This is evidenced by some of the earliest pieces of literature that we have. The epic poem, “Beowulf”, shows many references to the influence of Christianity on English culture. There are many parallels between characters in “Beowulf” and characters from the Bible. Many Christian themes and virtues are also portrayed in “Beowulf”. Throughout “Beowulf”, the theme of Christianity manifests itself through Christ-like images of Beowulf as well as his strength in God allowing him to ward off monsters of paganism.

Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon epic that was transmitted verbally for hundreds of years before it was written down. Around the time of its composition, Christianity was beginning to gain prominence in England and was quickly replacing the animistic religion of the Celts. As a result of the dueling religions of the time, the poem includes influences from both Christianity and paganism, leaving its readers to wonder which religion had the most sway over the poet. Beowulf is a fundamentally more Christian epic on account of Beowulf’s resemblances of Jesus Christ, its allusions to the Bible, and its intimation of a supreme, monotheistic religion.

Before the story of Beowulf was written down, the tale was spoken through the oral traditions characteristic of Anglo-Saxon Literature. This oral ritual was mindful not only of the particular event and time in which it was recited, but also of the receptive nature of its audience. Moreover, these stories contained repetitions of key elements and themes as a way to stress their significance. Ultimately, however, all the stories told through the oral tradition usually mirrored the principles and ideals of the Anglo-Saxon culture at the time they were told. This tradition remains ever-present within the modern text of the medieval poem of Beowulf. Two notable tales of character in the poem gain deeper nuance when placed in Beowulf’s

Many people believe that initially, Beowulf was a Pagan artifact. In fact, such belief has developed further to support that an anonymous Christian rewrote the piece with the intention to apply Christian characters in the first script. Academics, however, differ on whether the central thematic argument was Christian or Pagan. The author remarkably puts actions into the context of the Bible owing to the impulse at the era of converting everyone to Christianity. By, interlocking the old Pagan elements of folklore and Christian belief, Beowulf grows into a standard of fiction, which is difficult to outshine. The epic of Beowulf has no recognized author ever since its original tradition. However, it does represent the culture of the Anglo-Saxon from which it originated. Besides, it serves its goal of moral teaching as a work of art and the meaning hero-life (Disraeli). The poem’s hero, known as Beowulf, seems to display great bravery in all the things he takes part in during his time. Indeed, Beowulf represents one of the greatest epic heroes in history; he symbolizes bravery and honor, loyalty to his people, and the reputation he holds, as he represents the Anglo-Saxon culture.

The oldest of the great lengthy poems written in English and perhaps the lone survivor of a genre of Anglo-Saxon epics, Beowulf, was written by an unknown Christian author at a date that is only estimated.  Even so, it is a remarkable narrative story in which the poet reinvigorates the heroic language, style, and values of Germanic oral poetry.  He intertwines a number of themes including good and evil, youth and old age, paganism and Christianity and the heroic ideal code, into his principal narrative and numerous digressions and episodes; all of which were extremely important to his audience at the time.  Vengeance, part of the heroic code, was regarded differently by the two distinct religions.

Since humans first emerged into the intellectual sphere of literature, extravagant tales of mystical lands, bloody wars, and gallant heroes spread far and wide. All treasured tales transpire time, From trespassing viking warlords, to poetic french vineyards, and indian tribes across the sea, each culture remains coated in these tales. In the twenty first century there is no need for memorizing stories, however in times gone by stories were circulated by tune or voice until christianity began to spread worldwide. Beowulf, written by an anonymous christian monk, possesses a timeless approach of a classic fight for love and glory; a case of do or die to audiences across the span of a lifetime with intricate tones,

Beowulf is an epic poem that is named as one of the first extraordinary brave poem in English writing. All through the story of Beowulf, one finds numerous components of Christian philosophy: that man survives just through the security of God, that every single natural blessing stream from God, and that the best possible course of man is to be unassuming and unselfish. In any case, there is additionally an in number feeling of courageous pride inside Beowulf which is now and again in direct clash with these Christian qualities.

“… no man swims in the sea As I can, no strength is a match for mine” (Raffel 25). Repeatedly, the author decides to keep talking about Beowulf’s amazing self and how he is an honourable hero, proving how he is the perfect hero who follows the heroic code. The heroic code is a code that ancient Germanic warrior societies follow and worship. This code dictates that the relationships between kinsmen of the same tribe must be founded on loyalty and respect. The author repeats again and again about Beowulf accomplishments and gets the reader to think of Beowulf as the perfect image of a warrior throughout his lifetime.

Within every culture come certain values and beliefs that signify them. The Anglo-Saxons have prided themselves on their great heroic warriors throughout the years. To be a hero was the greatest form of respect to them, and to achieve such greatness you need to have bravery, faith, strength and loyalty. In the story, Beowulf, the great warrior embodies all of the coveted traits of an Anglo-Saxon warrior. The significance of bravery, faith, strength and loyalty are shown heavily in Beowulf, accurately detailing the Anglo Saxon culture and their beliefs in its entirety.

In Beowulf, the cultural traditions of the ancient Germanic tribes are expressed. Throughout the poem, treasures are a symbol of achievement, glory, and wealth in the Germanic culture. The possession of treasures such as gold earns one respect within the Germanic tribes. Moreover, the act of partitioning is celebrated and it earns you a title of a good king and warrior. While the doing the opposite condemns you and titles you a greedy king and warrior.

In the Epic poem “Beowulf” the Anglo-Saxon religion is a main focus and the characters from the poem are a reflection of how Anglo-Saxons were expected to act. In the poem the main character Beowulf is a great hero who has powers like no other human and his best trait is bravery. This poem is a great example of a piece of literature that shapes and reflects society because when Beowulf fights for land that isn’t even his home he shows his selfless personality to the reader. The poem “Beowulf’ exhibits the perfect Anglo-Saxon believer and I believe that the author intended to have Beowulf’s character perfectly reflect an Anglo-Saxon in his time period.

The Anglo-Saxon poem “Beowulf” takes the reader back into a time long past; one of family, fate, and fealty. Beowulf offers a glimpse of a society struggling between two different paths, one path being the assimilation into the new Christian traditions and the other is the fast fading past of glorified warriors and family ties. In the poem, the reader can see the attempts of the poet to convey the values and stories of Judeo-Christianity in a society of Anglo-Saxon paganism. The poet illustrates the infiltration of the Christian teachings and how they might have appeared within the lives of the people through the literary devices of symbolism, allegory, and allusion.