As we discussed in class, the Beowulf poet is Christian, and there are Christian references. What do you think the poet's attitude is towards the obviously pagan Beowulf and others? How does the poet introduce Christian references? What is the effect of the references that follow descriptions of the battle with Grendel, for example?
Do you agree the "the entire poem could be viewed as the poet's lament for heroes like Beowulf who went into the darkness without the light of the of the poet's own Christian faith" (31).
A note on my prompts: I will tend to ask a series of questions in a prompt--but as in this prompt, they are meant to serve as appositions. The questions following the main question (or comment) are meant to help explain the first one.
8 comments:
Even if the author had Christian intentions, there is no mention of Christ or anything New Testament related. Any references concerning God or the Bible stay within the lines of the Old Testament. Aside from the tie between Grendel and Cain, every other reference within the piece regards God and His will on the battles Beowulf faces. It is well recognized by the characters that God has a pull on the circumstances and, just to name a few, that it is with God’s help that Beowulf won against Grendel, it was God who calmed the waters when Beowulf was racing Breca, and, once again, it was God who protected Beowulf when Grendel’s mother tried to stab him.
It all adds to the humility aspect of the arrogant Beowulf. Even though he knows his strength and his legend, he still credits a higher being saying that he alone would not have been successful. I think it could have been a method the poet used to keep Beowulf as the ideal hero. Here is a man who is strong and legendary throughout the world, and yet his belief in God keeps him on the right path. His arrogance does seep through at times, but he does not claim that his victories were earned on his own. I believe adding God into the equation is what balances out Beowulf’s character. The poet used this approach to create the ideal hero, someone compassionate yet strong, arrogant yet humble. It serves to make quite a nice correlation.
I do think this poem serves as a lamentation for heroes like Beowulf. I think the poet’s point is that glory can be overpowering and it can turn a heroic figure into a pompous individual who abuses their popularity. There needs to be an understanding that accomplishments are not something that is fully gained by one person alone, but other factors whether it being a higher being or the allies around the hero. Without proper guidance, a hero can easily turn into a tyrant.
Throughout Beowulf, the poet peppers the poem with numerous references to God. The titles given to God, such as “Eternal Lord” and “Head of the Heavens,” are indicators to the Christian undertones that the poem possesses. These overtly Christian references lead to the conclusion that the author of Beowulf is himself Christian and living in a period that is influenced by the Christian faith (30).
The characters in the poem, such as Beowulf and Hrothgar, mention God and His will frequently (line 1057). Due to these constant praises to God, without being told in the introduction to the poem, I would not have known that that the Danes and the Geats were pagan (30). The only mention of the practice of paganism takes place at line 175 at the poet’s mention of the Danes’ turn to pagan shrines and idols in desperation to be freed from Grendel’s destruction (lines 175-180). The constant mention of God’s will and God being behind Beowulf’s bravery and honor gives the indication to me that both the Geats and the Danes believe that there is a higher power in action (lines 1055-1057).
However, the poet does seem to condemn or look down up the Danes’ turn to pagan idols for relief from Grendel (lines 180-188). His statement, “Oh, cursed is he who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul in the fire’s embrace” is evidence that the poet believes that during times of trouble, the only answer is to turn to God (lines 183-185).
I do agree that Beowulf was written as a lament for Beowulf and other brave heroes like him. However, I disagree that the poem was written to mourn Beowulf’s lack of the Christian faith. The poet apparently has respect and reverence for heroes like Beowulf who accredits his honor and bravery to God (lines 938-941).
Beowulf is deemed a pagan poem, however, there are sprinkles of Christian references throughout the poem. The New Testament of the Bible is never mentioned. Each reference the poet makes, such as Cain and Abel, is found in the Old Testament. The poet of Beowulf follows the notion that man is protected and survives only by the grace of God. Life, as well as gifts, are granted by God, and it seems proper to return these favors with humility and unselfishness. However, heroic pride comes into play in Beowulf, which greatly contradicts the values and views of Christianity. The name of God is mentioned numerous times, and after victories Beowulf gives recognition to God that he is alive and has won. Beowulf knows he is a strong warrior, yet never fails to thank God for protection against the evil monsters. An ideal hero is thought to be a loyal and honest leader, yet still be someone that common people can relate with. Although Beowulf is very prideful, he always gives thanks to God, and never claims credit for defeating Grendel and his mother. Due to this aspect, the reader is able to connect more with Beowulf. Hrothgar reminds Beowulf he is a good leader, but to remain humble and thankful, and not so selfish.
I think the poet’s attitude toward Beowulf and other pagan characters in the poem is one of pity or sorrow. Following Grendel’s death, it’s clear that Hrothgar doesn’t believe the victory could have occurred without the help of God. Looking at lines 183—188, “Oh, cursed is he / who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul / in the fire’s embrace, forfeiting help; / he has nowhere to turn. But blessed is he / who after death can approach the Lord and find friendship in the Father’s embrace,” it’s clear that the author finds empathy for those who cannot find a belief in a higher being. Many of the Christian references are introduced as the foundation of any and all success found by the thanes, namely Beowulf. Despite the poem being labeled as pagan, it seeks to send the messages of Christianity throughout each major battle Beowulf faces. In a way, the Christian references allow Beowulf to step back and realize, although he possesses great strength and ability to defeat opposing forces, he cannot achieve victory alone. I could see the poem being considered a lament for heroes like Beowulf because the author continually stresses the importance of belief in Christianity, as well as the consequences or losses one can face without having a belief in something bigger than himself.
Lisa,
I agree with you that although the people of the poem are deemed pagan, the numerous Christian references by the poet indicate that the main message of Beowulf is that during times of trouble, God is the only path. Like you, I get the feeling that this poem is more Christian than it is thought to be. If not meant to be wholly Christian, I feel that the poem is at least in part meant to represent religion.
The poet is obviously Christian, but although the introduction to the poem mentions that the Danes and Geats are pagan, there is no mention of paganism other than in the beginning of the story when the Danes worshipped pagan idols. The constant mentioning by Beowulf and even Hrothgar about God’s will being done and Beowulf’s glory being due to God leaves me to believe that there is at least a belief in God by both the Danes and the Geats.
Jill,
Your answer pretty much included everything I wanted to say when writing my answer to this question. It's rather difficult to try and come up with a reason as to why the poet mixed in Christianity with a pagan based story. I was pretty convinced throughout the poem that the characters believed in some form of monotheism. I agree with you on the fact that you don't think the poet is mourning for Beowulf's lack in Christian faith. All in all, I think this was a pretty confusing question to answer.
Gabby,
You and I are right about on the same page. I like that you made the connection of Beowulf knowing his strength and power, yet always crediting God. I also believe this could have been a method the poet used to dial down his arrogance, and portray him as a great hero. I really like and agree with your last paragraph about Beowulf standing as a lamentation for heros. Your last line “Without proper guidance, a hero can easily turn into a tyrant” really sums up the correlation the poet uses to keep Beowulf on track, and not let the power go to his head.
Gabby, the idea that you presented about God adding to the “humility aspect of the arrogant Beowulf” was exactly what I understood after reading the poem. I really liked your wording, though! You are correct when you say that Beowulf’s arrogance seeped through at times, because he would often declare how strong and powerful and fearless he believed himself to be. However, the Christian references seemed to bring him back down to earth to really understand he couldn’t do it all on his own. Also, your idea of balancing Beowulf’s arrogance and humility because of the Christian references was an interesting point. No one is perfect, not even these characters.
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