a more obscure reason that lies underneath. It is Beowulfs eagerness for material rewards and earthly fame that leads him to protect others. This can be seen when Hrothgar tells Beowulf that he will be rewarded very lavishly if he defeats Grendel. No one strange to this land has ever been granted what Ive given you, no one in all the years of my rule. Purge Herot and your ship will sail home with its treasure-holds full(43). Hrothgar gives incentive by enticing Beowulfs greed, and Beowulf accepts the offer, knowing that he will claim a great fortune if he wins. Wealthow and Hrothgar constantly give gold and other fine jewels to Beowulf, whether it would be for winning great battles or as little as giving praise to their sons. The emphasis on objects is connected to the pagan world, where objects are like idols which symbolize fame and wealth.Besides glory, fame, and fortune, was another big part of Anglo-Saxon culture. This idea is known as wyrd, the Anglo-Saxon concept of faith. All religions believe that fate plays a role in everyday lives. Christians dont believe in a pre-determined life, rather they believe that the actions you make during this life will affect your afterlife. However, pagans believe that although your social rank is predestined, worshiping pagan idols can change the outcome of the events in your life on earth. This can be seen when Hrothgar and his counselors make useless attempts to appease Grendel. They can't offer him gold or land, as they might an ordinary enemy because such material possessions are useless to him. Like most people in a time of crisis they slip back into old ways of thinking. And wondering what the bravest warriors could do. And sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone gods, made heathen vows, hoping for Hells support (28). Instead of praying to God for support, they sacrifice to the stone idols of their pagan past. Though enlightened by Christianity, the poet is saying, pagan r...
