Abby Moyer- Big Bad Handsome Man

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Beowulf: Biblical Imagery and Symbolism by Heidi Moyer

            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. 

Christian Symbolism in Lord of the Rings by Heidi Moyer

           The Lord of the Rings is embedded heavily with Christian symbolism which Tolkien masterfully uses to reach the secular world. The symbolism is evident in the landscape, various action carried out by characters, and the journeys they take. J.R.R. Tolkien implants most of his symbolism into his Christ figures and Satan figures. Tolkien, author of the trilogy, uniquely interlaced elements of his faith in with his masterpiece of literature. This is a powerful tale with moral values used every day and the truth of the gospel.

            A prominent example of symbolism is the Ring. The Ring represents slavery, corruption and the desire to sin. It causes a strong desire within anyone who comes in contact with it. Throughout the story the Ring affects each character in some way, or has some significance to them. For instance, Frodo must bear the heavy burden of the ring for the entirety of the journey; Gollum is enslaved by the Ring even after he no longer possesses it, and the fate of Galadriel’s world lies in the fate of the Ring. Overall this symbol embodies the core of the major themes in these books.

            Another significant symbol is resurrection. The most of the main characters experience some kind of death, resurrection and ascension. One particular instance of this was when Gandalf the Grey falls into Moria and is thought to be dead for some time, then miraculously comes back as Gandalf the White. This represents Jesus sacrifice on the cross, his death, resurrection and

ascension into the clouds. To have so many characters experience this, truly makes a statement and reiterates the presence of Tolkien’s faith in his novels. After each character is subjected to the death phase of their journey the come back stronger and greater than they have ever been.

            Pure water is another symbol Tolkien used throughout his trilogy, representing life and the afterlife. This is specifically shown when Gandalf and Aragorn narrowly escape death and fall into a pool of water. It is also shown when Boromir, after his death is sent off on a boat down the river symbolizing him going on into his next life. In the Bible, water also has significant meaning. One parallel to this is when a person is baptized; they become a new creation in Christ and start a new life.

            The last example of symbolism is the barrenness of the land while Sauron roamed Middle-Earth. The land began looking dry and dead and it got worse as Sauron overtook the Shire. This is an amazing picture of what happens to humans when evil consumes the heart and soul. It can also be compared to when God cursed the earth after Adam and Eve sinned and tarnished its perfection.  The cures on the Earth will last until Christ’s second coming as the desolation in Middle-Earth lasted until the hobbits took back the Shire. This is hope for Christians who are waiting for the Earth to be made new when Christ comes again.

            The symbolism sends Tolkien’s message across with a brilliant accuracy. He used his moral principles as a guide while writing in order to introduce concepts which are relevant in society and can be used to improve the morals of citizens today. Thoroughly, using all elements from the story, he illustrates the gospel in this creative and inventive way.  Tolkien influences and helps shape our culture through his works. 

The Rain by Heidi Moyer

As she awoke and looked upon thy yonder window frame

She gave a start and lost much heart as she stared into the rain.

Sleep almost over whelmed her as she stared into the gloom

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

She began to pray for she could not play that day to her dismay

So she got out of bed with a toss of her head

Trying to hide the despair inside, for inside she cried.

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

She read in the nooks with her comforting books

For she thought she could hide

From what she knew was just out side.

The rain and gloom engulfed the room as she looked on with despair.

The Maiden by Heidi Moyer

The angles look with caring eyes

As the maiden looks upon the skies

On the sands of the beach

She watches and waits, 

Eyes filled with hope and love.

As the sunsets glowing rays 

Engulf the ever growing days

Full of troubles and delays

Ted Dekker Biography by Heidi Moyer

          Living among cannibals in the jungles of Indonesia, isn’t where you would expect to find a budding author. This however, is the condition in which Ted Dekker was brought up. As missionaries, his family was constantly in danger but with much persistence, befriended the village people and dwelt with them. Witchcraft and death thrived in this ominous place which provided inspiration for Dekker’s writing later on.

            At the age of six he was separated from his family, attending a coastal school for months at a time. The culture in which he lived forced him to rely on his imagination to create his own world. Later, he left Indonesia to attend a multi-cultural high school and following that he studied Philosophy and Religion in the United States.

             In his early adult life Dekker climbed the corporate ladder then experimented in the field of the entrepreneur. After experiencing a variation of carriers, including healthcare service and marketing, he was inspired by a friend to write. Ted Dekker then recognized his gift and threw himself into his storytelling. His stories are diverse, covering impossible situations filled with suspense, romance and fantasy. Once he became successful he sold his company and moved to Western Colorado and began writing for a living. Dekker’s thrilling novels have now sold over five million copies and two of his stories were made into movies. Now he lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and two daughters.