Beowulf assignment 2

The most obvious anglo-saxon belief illustrated in Beowulf is the strong warrior culture. Most of the story revolves around this, Beowulf being their archeotypical warrior. Because of this Hrothgar shows revrence for Beowulf, saying

"Now, Beowulf, best of warriors, I love you as a son:have from this moment a new kinship. Nor will there be any lack of earthly things I have power over.Often I have given gifts to a lesser warrior, weaker in fighting. You have, by your deeds, achieved fame forever."

Beowulf doesn't seem to reflect the religious views held by the Celts at this time; most of the references to religion have a Christain tone. For example, God is only refered to in the singular; though the celts were pluralistic in their religion. "It was well known among men that, if God willed it not, no one could drag that demon to the shadows." It may just seem this way because of the abridged translation. Also the mention of Grendel being a descendent of Cain, though this isn't explicitly Christian; I think he appears in several religions. Christianity was spreading, but not widely accepted.

The bard in the story, who sings after Beowulf slays Grendel, tells about the Danes feud with the Jutes. This was an ongoing conflict for the Anglo-saxons.

"He sang of Finn's offspring and how Hnaef of the Danes fell in a Jute battlefield.Indeed Hildeburh did not have much cause to praisethe good faith of her in-laws,the Jutes: though blameless, she was deprived of dear ones by the shield play, both her son and Hnaef, her brother, in fate fell to spear wounds."