Beowulf and Christianity

The author of Beowulf writes in order to provide a link between the Christians of 8th century England and their pagan ancestors. Throughout the poem he allays to the reader the mystical war-laden world of the Anglo-Saxons, where a great hero fights for his people against several terrible foes. However, throughout this mystical pagan story, filled with pagan values like revenge and self-righteousness, there are numerous examples of the Christian morals and values widely known …

…deliberately [portrays] ancient pre-Christian days and [emphasizes] the nobility of the pagan Germanic world (Mitchell and Robinson 37).” Yet at the same time epic poem reemphasizes to its original audience, that of medieval England, the importance and value of the Christian way of life. Though we may never know the exact motives of the author in writing this epic poem, we do know that its effect was and continues to be well received among many audiences.