oem. It is through such a blending that there was available to a poet who set out to write a poem,. on a scale and plan unlike a minstrels lay, both new faith and new learning (or education), and also a body of native tradition (itself requiring to be learned) for the changed mind to contemplate together. The native learning cannot be denied in the case of Beowulf. (Tolkien 26).The character Beowulf embodied the Pagan heroic code (comitatus), but he also exhibited Christian values. Overall, he was a warrior and a hero who sought fame and reputation. Most of his actions were motivated by his desire to be remembered after his death as a courageous and loyal warrior. When Beowulf hears about Hrothgars trouble he goes to help him. He wants to help him for a few reasons, all of which relate to the comitatus. He wants to acquire fame and he wants lifelong honor. By beating Grendel he would receive honor and his reputation would be enhanced. Also, Beowulf wants to repay Hrothgar for settling a feud for his father years before. Beowulf is willing to do battle for the old king even though it means that he could die. When Boewulf faces off against Grendels mother, and later when he fights the dragon it is revenge that he is after. The Pagan and the Christian elements that combine in the person of Beowulf complement, rather than oppose, one another. Beowulfs readiness to avenge his slain uncle and cousin, and his counsel to Hrothgar that it It is better for every man to avenge hi friend than mourn him greatly (lines 1371, 1372), are by no means the expression of a spirit purely Pagan: throughout the middle ages revenge for ones kin or for ones lord continued to be regarded as the duty of a warrior. It is the moral virtues of Beowulf wich are particularly Christian, His social virtues are historically Pagan; that is, they descend from the traditional code of the comitatus. (Brodeur 184)During Beowulfs battle with Grendel, the Geat r...
