Throughout Beowulf, biblical imagery
and symbolism runs rampant. The epic poem reflects Christian culture in
astonishing ways, intertwining with the concepts of Norse mythology. The purpose of this paper is to
reveal the ways the living word of God has impacted the earth that God has
masterfully created, and the unbelievable way he chose to save his dying world
despite the attempts of the devil.
The poem begins with the genealogy
of the warriors and kings. Interestingly enough, this parallels Matthew 1, as
Matthew records Jesus line from Abraham to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. After
this, the story dives right into the biblical story of Cain and Able found in
Genesis 4. The tale reveals that Cain killed his brother and was cursed forever
by God, then goes on explaining that the evil, condemned Grendel was the offspring
of Cain and a she-demon (Heaney 9).
“All were endangered; young and old
were hunted down by the dark death-shadow who lurked and swooped in the long
nights on the misty moors; nobody knows where these reavers from hell roam on
their errands (Heaney 13).” This passage eloquently symbolizes what Paul the
apostle of Christ said in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of
the glory of God.” No matter what race, gender, or language every human except
for Jesus Christ, has succumbed to the dark powers of sin represented by
Grendel at this time. The quote also alludes to the mysterious nature of the
hellish creatures.
When Grendel seemed too much for the
Danish people they turned to their pagan idols instead of turning to the one
true God for aid in their time of trouble.
They even went as far as asking the devil for help, “The Almighty Judge
of good deeds and bad, the Lord
God,
Head of the Heavens and the High King of the World, was unknown to them (Heaney
15).” The people turning from God to the extent that they no longer know him is
similar to the way the Israelite s often turned away from God when his timing
and plan was not what they wanted.
When Beowulf first came to assist
the Danes against the emanate evil he was approached at the shore by the danish
coastguard. The coastguard officer asked what their business there was and
Beowulf responded saying, “I can show the wise Hrothgar a way to defeat his
enemy and find respite-- if any respite is to reach him, ever. I can calm the
turmoil and terror in his mind. Otherwise, he must endure woes and live with
grief for as long as his hall stands at the horizon, on its high ground (Heaney
21).” The response Beowulf gives is intrinsically significant to him as a
Christ figure. First, he talks of how he can reveal to Hrothgar how he can
defeat his enemy, this is similar to the way Christ offers Christians a way to
defeat Satan by accepting his free gift of salvation for humanity. Also just as
Beowulf gives Hrothgar a choice to accept his help, Christ has given everyone
free will to choose his way or go their
own way which ultimately leads to destruction. Beowulf warns Hrothgar in this
passage that if he fails to obtain the relief he is offering he will suffer. In
addition, this
passage unveils Heorot
as a symbol of the king's pride. This is vital to the story because it marks
the beginning of Beowulf's triumphs over evil.
The epic continues as Beowulf
declares before Hrothgar, “I hereby renounce sword and the shelter of the broad
shield, the heavy war-board: hand-to-hand is how it will be, a life-and-death
fight with the fiend (Heaney 31).” This allegation is an act of self
sacrifice, which is a key element in the
character of a Christ figure. Beowulf retains this attitude as he enters into
each of his battles against evil, making it a prominent theme throughout this
piece of literature. This section also alludes to the uselessness of worldly
weapons in the realm of spiritual warfare.
“...[Beowulf's] whole company of
sea-rovers at rest beside him. None of them expected he would ever see his
homeland again or get back to his native place and the people who reared him
(Heaney 47).” Clearly, the reference to his men being at rest beside him is
comparable to the scene in Matthew
26:38-45, where Christ prayed with his disciples in the garden and they fell
asleep leaving him to prepare for his suffering alone. In addition, this
passage displays the doubt and the lack of faith Beowulf's men posses.
Equivalently, Jesus disciples exhibit these same traits when Jesus is taken
captive.
“The captain of evil discovered
himself in a handgrip harder than anything he had ever encountered in any man
on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body quailed and recoiled, but he
could not escape (Heaney 51).” Beowulf's power is perfectly illustrated as he
grips Grendel's grotesque arm. John 1:5 says, “And the light shines on in the
darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it (NIV).” This is a definite image
of good's victory over evil and darkness and is major theme throughout the
chronicle.
God
loved the world so much that he sent down one man, his son to rescue it
according to the third chapter of John. If Christ had not come into the world
all of humanity
would have become
devoured by corruption and sin. Jesus arrival on earth is an event that has
long been for told, and anticipated. He was chosen as the only one who could
accomplish the task set before him by God. “Grendel had cruelly killed more,
had not mindful God and one Man's daring prevented that doom (Heaney 71).” This
concept is relevant because it show how, like Christ, Beowulf came out of
seemingly nowhere to deliver the people.
“You
have won renown: you are known to all men far and near, now and forever (Heaney
85).” This quote is spoken by Wealhtheow, the king's wife after Beowulf's
courageous victory over Grendel. These words are particularly impactful because
it gives Beowulf a sense of permanence and an eternal essence. Even though he
will eventually pass away he will always be in the hearts of the ones who loved
and adored him.
At the end of the epic when Beowulf
is fighting his final battle he knows it will be his last, and that in the end
his strength will fail him. Never the less, he fights fearlessly. One of his
soldiers, however, comes to his aid when he is in need. Wiglaf fights with him
and they kill the dragon which has been oppressing the people. As Beowulf reaches
his end he commissions Wiglaf and gives him specific instructions regarding his
burial. This scene is extremely similar to the one found in the beginning of
the book of Acts, as Jesus commissioned his disciples before he ascended into
heaven to sit at the right hand of God.
It is amazing how literature unveils
the grace of God and his unmatched love for humanity. The poem Beowulf is
a story which has withstood the test of time and created beautiful mental
images with its eloquent language. Christianity and Norse mythology have united
to form this inspiring masterpiece.
Works
Cited
Heaney, Seamus, and
John D. Niles. Beowulf: an Illustrated Edition. New York: W.W. Norton,
2008. Print.
Holy
Bible: New International Version, Chocolate/pink, Italian Duo-tone.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. Print.
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