Beowulf Dichotomized Former delegate Joseph Bartlett of Maryland, once said “When a pagan race comes in contact with a Christian race, they are converted, absorbed, or exterminated”. The dichotomy between paganism and Christianity can be seen from the Anglo-Saxon era to the early 2000’s. The clashing of the two can be seen within the epic poem Beowulf. Within the epic, the elements of Norse paganism and medieval Christianity are present. However the medieval Christianity overshadows the underlying pagan tones in which the epic as originally spoken. Paganism is a polytheistic, pantheistic religion whose worships are based around nature. In the Anglo-Saxon culture the religion of paganism was more of a lifestyle which consisted of the belief in blood-feuds, prideful boasting, gift-giving, and loyalty to your tribe and people. No
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The tolerance of one another can be seen during meetings, but in their heads the thought of another war or blood-feuds remained. The act of boasting among the pagan people was commonplace especially for epic hero, Beowulf. “When I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats...”(420-426) Beowulf, while in the presence of the Danes apprises himself and his wonderful accomplishments. In doing this, the pagan warriors established their ranking if you will among the people of the tribe. Following a long and strenuous battle, while in the mead-halls the act of gift-giving takes place. The bestowing of gifts among the tribes was their way of showing immense gratitude. In the case of Beowulf, the gratitude was shown for killing the monstrous being that is Grendel. “with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also a breast-mail and a helmet; a sword carried high, that was both precious object and a token of honour”(1020-1025).
The tolerance of one another can be seen during meetings, but in their heads the thought of another war or blood-feuds remained. The act of boasting among the pagan people was commonplace especially for epic hero, Beowulf. “When I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea slaughtered sea brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the Geats...”(420-426) Beowulf, while in the presence of the Danes apprises himself and his wonderful accomplishments. In doing this, the pagan warriors established their ranking if you will among the people of the tribe. Following a long and strenuous battle, while in the mead-halls the act of gift-giving takes place. The bestowing of gifts among the tribes was their way of showing immense gratitude. In the case of Beowulf, the gratitude was shown for killing the monstrous being that is Grendel. “with a gold standard as a victory gift, an embroidered banner; also a breast-mail and a helmet; a sword carried high, that was both precious object and a token of honour”(1020-1025).