knight had/ her image depicted on the inside of his shield/ so that when he glanced at it his heart never quailed” (Fitt 2.646-49).Clearly, Gawain is utterly devoted to religion and is fully trusting in the Lord. His true commitment is “judged perfect[ly] [by] his five senses.../and all his earthly faith was in the five wounds/ that Christ suffered on the cross” (Fitt2.640- 43). The many traits of a good Christian Knight, such as chastity and humility, are shown through Gawain’s encounter with Lady Bertilak. To Gawain, as a knight, a lady is looked upon as a sacred figure. When speaking to lady Bertilak, Gawain admires her in a respectful approach. “As myself ever can, however long I may live/ would be absolute folly, noble lady, on my word/
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He shows of his courage in the outermost way possible, including fighting monstrous creatures unarmed. Also, unlike Gawain, Beowulf never doubts his abilities or himself; rather he plunges himself into every battle. Despite the fact that Beowulf is of pagan origins, there are ideas of Christianity as well. The story’s plot is appealingly solid, but there are many parts where the religions contradict each other. Some of the Christian elements that are found include, earthly gifts are from God (be it success or wealth), survival only through Gods protection, and men who are proper bearing should be unselfish and humble. With every victorious battle, Beowulf gains more pride, causing major tension with his religious values. Hrothgar teaches Beowulf that pride, not moderated or controlled by humility, can result in a tragic fall and that wealth, accumulated through Gods grace should be shared generously. At times Beowulf relies on Christian principles, but then leans towards pagan values. He seemingly becomes Christian and acknowledges that “if God had not helped me, the outcome [of the battle with Grendel’s mother] would have been quick and fatal.” (Heaney 1657-1658). Then he exemplifies further by stating that “the Lord of men allowed me to behold/for he often helps the unbefriended” (Heaney 1661-62). Beowulf actions seem to be flowing with spiritual protection, although, there is the sense that this protection must be earned. He must remain courageous, honest, prideful, humble, and true to his values in order to earn this protection. In addition, there is the sense that the success he gains derives from God. When Beowulf was about to battle Grendel’s mother “he saw a blade that boded well/ a sword in her armoury, an ancient heirloom /from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, / one that any warrior would envy” (Heaney 1557-1560). The battle with the “fiend from
He shows of his courage in the outermost way possible, including fighting monstrous creatures unarmed. Also, unlike Gawain, Beowulf never doubts his abilities or himself; rather he plunges himself into every battle. Despite the fact that Beowulf is of pagan origins, there are ideas of Christianity as well. The story’s plot is appealingly solid, but there are many parts where the religions contradict each other. Some of the Christian elements that are found include, earthly gifts are from God (be it success or wealth), survival only through Gods protection, and men who are proper bearing should be unselfish and humble. With every victorious battle, Beowulf gains more pride, causing major tension with his religious values. Hrothgar teaches Beowulf that pride, not moderated or controlled by humility, can result in a tragic fall and that wealth, accumulated through Gods grace should be shared generously. At times Beowulf relies on Christian principles, but then leans towards pagan values. He seemingly becomes Christian and acknowledges that “if God had not helped me, the outcome [of the battle with Grendel’s mother] would have been quick and fatal.” (Heaney 1657-1658). Then he exemplifies further by stating that “the Lord of men allowed me to behold/for he often helps the unbefriended” (Heaney 1661-62). Beowulf actions seem to be flowing with spiritual protection, although, there is the sense that this protection must be earned. He must remain courageous, honest, prideful, humble, and true to his values in order to earn this protection. In addition, there is the sense that the success he gains derives from God. When Beowulf was about to battle Grendel’s mother “he saw a blade that boded well/ a sword in her armoury, an ancient heirloom /from the days of the giants, an ideal weapon, / one that any warrior would envy” (Heaney 1557-1560). The battle with the “fiend from