Religion In Beowulf

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Written in the 8th century A.D., Beowulf is assumed to have been written by a Christian monk a few hundred years after the story took place. Because it was a monk who put the story to paper, Christian themes can be found throughout the epic. This has led to major debates over the validity of Beowulf as a Christ based story. Some scholars argue that Beowulf is not a Christian hero, while some view his actions as a representation of Christ and so define Beowulf as a Christian hero. Throughout the years, many scholars have debated the legitimacy that Beowulf is a Christian hero. Some say that Beowulf was indeed not a Christian hero, but a pagan warrior whose pride left him dead beside the treasure for which he was pining. These scholars note that Beowulf’s motives were only…show more content…
Beowulf is willing to lie down to sleep all the while he knows that his doom could soon be upon him, yet because of his faith in God’s divine plan, he does so. Beowulf shows the reader throughout the epic his generosity and charity, much like Christ has. For example, when Hrothgar gives Beowulf 12 treasures, Beowulf then in return, upon his landing in Norway, gave up his treasures to his King, freely. Beowulf best embodies Christ when he goes out to fight the dragon. Beowulf shows his care for his flock by going to fight the dragon as Jesus did by dying on the cross to save sinners from their sins. Beowulf is tired of the dragon, which is a representation of sin, hurting and killing his people. Beowulf comes as close as one can to emulate Christ by being a temporal savior. Beowulf goes to fight with just twelve warriors, just as Jesus went to conqueror sin with his twelve disciples. Beowulf does not take an army because of pride. He is boasting, because he has the faith of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego when they stood up to King Nebuchadnezzar. This form of pride is righteous, for it says in the book of Corinthians, “Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in

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