I find the first part of the passage to be entirely in keeping with the poet's explication of the Germanic past in terms of his Christian present. But when we reach "Woe is him" the rest of the passage is a jarring departure from the style and structure of a poem that generally leaves any moralizing that is to be done to the characters themselves. I find it easy to imagine the monk-scribe whom is unable to restrain himself from adding a homily when he encounters such an open discussion of pagan worship.The last Christian passage I will discuss was called by Tolkien (1936) "Hrothgar's Sermon". Since it runs for more than 40 lines, I will refrain from quoting it in total, but will examine some of its aspects. Just prior to this speech, Hrothgar has bestowed great praise and blessings upon Beowulf for his victory over the Grendal family. With this "sermon" Hrothgar maintains that "It is a wonder to say how in his great spirit mighty God gives wisdom to mankind, land and earlship - He possesses power over all things." He then warns Beowulf against the sins of pride and covetousness and advises him to "choose better, eternal gains" and thanks " the Ruler, the Eternal Lord" for deliverance from Grendal. Hrothgar is by far the most monotheistic of the characters in Beowulf. As an old man, he serves as the wise counter-point to the young Beowulf who clearly puts more faith in his strength and prowess than in the blessings of Providence ("Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good."-Beowulf). Hrothgar, however, always credits good fortune and success to the good will of the Lord. As the story progresses into Beowulf's own kingship and old age in Geatland (wherever that may be, another controversy), we see him move toward Hrothgar's position. When he is informed of the destruction of his own hall by the dragon, Beowulf fears that he has somehow "bitterly offended the Ruler, the Eternal Lord, against old law." It seems ...
