In Michael Alexander’s translation of Beowulf, a reader is confronted by a narrative which depicts a multitude of viewpoints on religion and the role of God in the world. This article discusses some of these viewpoints.
Reasons for Diversity within the Narrative
There may be many perspectives simply because the narrative represents a wide time period; from historical circumstances, it can be assumed the text began before 521 A.D., reached its present form around 850 A.D., and was recorded in 1010 A.D. (xiii-xiv). The 500 year period was one of dramatic shifts for the people, including that of the faith change from paganism to Christianity.
Pagan and Christian Syncretism in Beowulf
As is noted in The Early Middle Ages, pagan and Christian were not nearly as distinct as missionaries and ecclesiastical authorities portray them. Worship was centered around places, animals, and trees, which is difficult for the outsider to distinguish, especially if he was looking for a temple and a high priest.
Some verses of Beowulf represent a theistic, Christian perspective, concordant with official doctrine and theology. Verse 2746 speaks of God as a judge. Verses 707-8 speak of God’s sovereign nature. The demon cannot drag men away without God willing it. In verse 168, the enemy cannot touch the throne, because he does not know God’s love. Evil works in the world only to serve God’s larger purpose; God is in control.
Dualistic Perspectives within Beowulf
However, a dualistic perspective also survives within the text. God is responsible only for the good, which opposes evil, an equal force. Evil is often referred to as the “Weird”, e.g. verse 478, in which the power of Weird leads the men into the hands of Grendel. The demons are “upholders of evil (vs. 750)”, as God or the king might be described as upholders of good. Verse 178 describes Hell possessing the minds of men, as if good and evil battled for each individual soul, one conquering the other.
In this dualistic perspective, God must oppose Grendel, must raise a champion to defeat him (vs. 665), because Grendel is God’s enemy (vs. 785). This implies that: God is not sovereign in this worldview; and God could be beaten in a fight.
Pagan Elements within the Beowulf Narrative
In addition to dualism, the reader can infer pagan elements within the narrative. For example, verse 1608: “when the Father unfastens frost’s grip . . . He watches over the times and the seasons.” These verses seem to allude directly to Norse mythology, and to Woden/Odin, the all seeing Father gods; frost gods are prevalent in Norse mythology.
Depiction of the Warrior God
Another image in the narrative is the Warrior God. In verse 63, Hrothgar was granted glory in battle; God gave him glory for valorous performance. This sheds light on verse 431, in which Beowulf is thankful for the privilege of cleansing Heorot. If he cannot win glory without battle, then battle is a definite privilege. Verse 695 has God giving victory in a clue to success. Therefore, those who win in war are God’s chosen, and righteous.
Implications of Faith Perspectives in Beowulf
It is difficult to make a single statement about how religion is interpreted in Beowulf, due to the multiplicity of perspectives. However, one can say that, if people had this degree of diversity in 500 A.D., then it is understandable that modern society has the degree of diversity that it does.
Sources:
- Alexander, Michael. Beowulf: A Verse Translation. Penguin, New York; 2001.
- McKettrick, Rosamond et al. The Early Middle Ages: 400-1000. Oxford University Press, New York; 2001.
 |
