Analysis: Beowulf and Religious Affiliation When we look at Beowulf through the eyes of religion, we see two distinctly different elements mingled together as one. In this period, before Christianity took root throughout the world, pagan religions were still widely practiced. There is evidence of this throughout Beowulf. There is also, however, evidence of strong Christian influence as well. Because of the diversity of peoples living in the land at that time, different cultures were mixed together, each taking on characteristics of the other. In Beowulf, the author has combined traditional hero-worship with the ideals and beliefs of Christianity. Needless to say, this combination makes for a distorted view of both beliefs. Both elements, however, are skillfully intertwined through this epic, and in the end, complement each other in this great work of ancient English literature.It is not hard to pull out the references to Christianity that are in Beowulf. They are marked by references such as ...He never dared to touch king Hrothgars glorious throne, protected by God - God, whose love Grendel could not know. Other references to God are coupled with pagan references, as exhibited in this powerful excerpt:And sometimes they [the frightened council of warriors] sacrificed to the old stone gods. Made heathen vows, hoping for Hells support, the Devils guidance in driving their affliction off. That was their way, and the heathens only hope, Hell always in their hearts, knowing neither God nor His passing as He walks through our world, the Lord of Heaven and earth; their ears could not hear His praise nor know His glory.It is evident that the writer was well grounded in the Christian faith. Notice that the pagan deities are referred to as the old stone gods. This shows that the culture had moved on from the old beliefs and into the new Christian faith. Grendel himself, the very embodiment of evil, was based on the Christian beli...
