Copy of Journal 2 Beowulf

.pdf

School

Abilene Christian University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

221

Subject

Religion

Date

May 26, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

2

Uploaded by DrGoat4477

Name: Amy Durham Journal 2: Beowulf (cont.) Before moving on to the group discussion, write 1 paragraph reflections for 3 of the following questions: 1. From your own research, what did you conclude about the owner of these treasures? Which objects suggest some pagan heritage through associations with monsters and pre-Christian worship or superstition? Do any objects suggest the Christian beliefs or heritage of a possible convert? - The owner was likely a wealthy man. It would make sense that he was a soldier, or something similar (like a guard of some kind). Many of the belongings found in the grave consisted of religious markings, meaning he likely had some sort of belief system. The cross on the objects represents Christianity. 2. Now reflect on Schama’s question: Is Beowulf a pagan or a Christian poem? Does the Danish hero represent a pre-Christian world founded on superstition and vengeance or a newly Christian culture embodying forgiveness and faith in one god? - Beowulf was written during a time when people were trying to reconcile their Pagan beliefs with their Christian ones. The story is in a Pagan setting, however there are Christian and biblical references throughout the poem. Many scholars actually theorized that the original poem was entirely Pagan, but Christian ideology was added during the transcribing. I think the hero represents a pre-Christian world, but I think that it suggests the people may have been wrestling with the idea of a monotheistic God. 3. Which passages in the poem suggest some pagan heritage? List 5 passages or details from the poem to support this view with a short evaluation of what they suggest about the poem’s author or original audience. - Beowulf includes the idea of wyrd (fate), the idea of predestination by the Norns, which is a very Pagan culture. Another prominent Pagan tradition is the use of swords inscribed with prayers to Nordic gods and goddesses. Another example is the phrase “Fate will unwind as it must,” which was spoken during the fight between Beowulf and Grendel. The phrase “My sword has killed nine sea monsters” is a Pagan ideal, and the phrase “Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark” is a Pagan phrase. 4. Which elements of the story suggest some Christian heritage? List 5 passages or details from the poem to support this view with a short evaluation of what they suggest about the poem’s author or original audience. - There are several biblical allusions in Beowulf, one of which being the fact that Grendel is a descendant of Cain. Beowulf is also compared to Jesus because both are saviors who die alone. Beowulf regularly acknowledges God as his protector. There are passages of the text that are considered sermons, and there is also a passage where the ruler becomes proud and is overthrown by a rival. This passage is alluding to the concept of the seven deadly sins.
Submitting Your Work To turn in your journal, simply upload the responses in this Google Doc back to the Journal 2 assignment.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help