Christianization

literature involves a man named Conle that is tempted by a seductive female fairy. As the fairy invites Conle to partake in paradise with her at Fairy Hill where there are never ending feasts and no death. However, Conle uses a charm that was given to him by a Druid to fend off the fairy’s allurement. Although, this only lasts temporally and the fairy returns to Conle to warn him that the Druids are malicious beings that use demonic magic. Consequently, Conle is convinced by the Fairy’s accusation of the Druids and is told about St. Patrick coming to Ireland to convert them into Christians. In the lecture on Practices – Popular & Courtly discusses three stages of how early Europe has evolved over time. As the first phase involved the Christianization of Europe by integrating Pagan societies into Christianity. The second segment was the arrival of the renaissance that incorporated scientific magic that was influenced by Jewish and Arabic texts. Lastly, the third stage was during the fourteenth century where magic was perceived as a cult that utilized demons. My thoughts on chapter three of The Twilight of Paganism: Magic in Norse and Irish Culture would be that it accurately depicted the adaptation of Pagan stories into Christian ones. As the fairy story that involves Conle conveys that Fairy Hill (i.e. heaven) is what Christianity offers to the Irish. That they can have everlasting life if they convert to Christianity, which is illustrated by Conle being foretold…

quantities of mead in the city where you killed my husband, that I may weep over his grave and hold a funeral feast for him” (The Primary Chronicles 56). Although the feast, as we know turns into a massacre, she wants to weep over her husband’s grave. The idea of weeping is commonly associated with femininity. The way Olga appeals to the Drevlians illustrates her subjection to the feminine norms of society. Olga is serving God and committing very feminine actions, which are all associated with…

Throughout Anglo-Saxon literature, grand works are often tied with paganism and the beliefs associated with it. However, not all works of literature fall into this classification. As Christianity began to make its mark upon the ancient world, so did its influence upon various parts of Anglo-Saxon society. As a result, many new texts and practices were altered to reflect this shift. The presence of Christian doctrine greatly increased as people began to move away from opposing religions, and…

This is an interesting adaptation of a pagan practice. Instead of taking revenge on his son he chooses to go to God and die. It’s a strange way to Christianize the tale. There was no forgiveness or atonement for sin. It was merely a choosing of God over the pagan practice of revenge killing. Honestly, this seems just an easy way to sneak in God into an otherwise completely pagan practice. The idea of a death-price has no place in Christianity and therefore the poet saw an opportunity to just…

Religion has been a topic of question and discussion for as long as we know, even dating back to the time of the Romans and the Franks. The topic of religion has been known to destroy families, friends, and in earlier times, kingdoms fell to others beliefs. The two primary religions practiced in early Europe were Roman Christianity and Paganism which was often practiced by the Franks, a group of united barbaric tribes. During this period, Roman civilization was coming to a decline, paving the…

Beowulf’s funeral is represented in the poem with strong Christian values connecting the hero with the story of Jesus Christ by ties seen between the burial of both characters, their twelve followers, and their dedication to God; however the film’s adaptation of the scene narrows in on pagan concepts and ideals, more specifically the culture and religion of the Vikings as well as the degradation of Christianity through Unferth’s position as a Christian figure. In the poem, Beowulf…

The Impact of Charlemagne on Christianity in the Carolingian Period The Carolingian period was forefronted by a great renaissance, which brought about much change in the medieval world. One of these changes was the major reshaping of Christianity. Religion played a big part in the lives of the medieval people, so it is only natural that many great leaders of the time played an important role in impacting Christianity. Three of these great leaders include Balthild, Saint Benedict, and…

Many pieces of literature have religion woven into the pages. These stories are important for future generations to piece together the history of religion. Both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight have specific religious elements that visualize the role of religion in their respective societies. Beowulf offers both pagan and Christian values, while Sir Gawain has Christian values. The paganism and Christianity of Beowulf, along with the Christianity of Sir Gawain and the Green…

While Pompey’s work lacks some of the variety a self-actualized person might require, she does challenge herself to work efficiently and construct her narrative when she free time. In addition, Sir Phoebus has awarded Pompey tremendous responsibility because of her expertise capabilities. She achieves this despite the limitations of the era and her understanding that she may not have the perfect job, but she does have the ability to find it satisfying. In showing her autonomy, Pompey reveals she…

The Sirmondian Constitutions reflect some of the pragmatic ways in which Christian religion was transformed from a persecuted, underground religion under Diocletian to one that was officially favoured and publicly supported. Sirm. 1- 16 illustrate some of the significant social, economic, political and legal privileges accorded to Christian laymen and authorities. Legislation also served to establish an orthodox Christianity in line with the decisions of Church councils while penalizing those…