Beowulf: Pagan or Christian?

Beowulf the Pagan by Michael Vaugh Beowulf is an epic poem that combines the contrasting beliefs of the traditional Paganism and the modern assessment of Christianity. The majority of the characters in Beowulf are Pagans. This religion is based in the belief of many gods (polytheism). The story Beowulf was passed down by word of mouth for years prior to being written down. As is the case with any “word of mouth” story, Beowulf undoubtedly …showed first 75 words of 1562 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1562 total…leaving the body whole for the afterlife. In fact, little consideration is given by the characters to the afterlife, which is a Christian requirement. Treasure and riches are used as status symbols. With all of these pagan merits combined with the probable faith of the writer, a belief that Beowulf is originally a pagan story can be supported. Works Cited: Clark, George. Beowulf. New York: Twayne, 1990. Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2000.