Beowulf acts as an open door, leading modern day historians into a deeper view and understanding of Anglo-Saxon religion. In more recent years it was discovered that Christianity wasn’t established during this time period, but rather Paganism was the dominant religion of the people. This has caused controversy over the fictional religious aspects of the epic. Nevertheless, the controversy is able to give historians a view of the older culture and society, even if it is through modern day interpretation of Christianity. Throughout Beowulf, Grendel is portrayed as an influential Christian figure within the Anglo-Saxon society. The monster, or “terror-monger” (765), is the main antagonist of the epic, so it is not surprising that he is a descendant
