By Nik Liyana
The fact that Beowulf is one of the longest surviving epic poems of Old English literature is not the only amazing feat it has done. Beowulf was orally transmitted and passed down from Germanic people who were largely Pagan, and drew elements of Pagan myths and legends; it is believed to be written down during the initial spread of Christianity in England by a Christian poet who integrated Christian values in the poem. This convergence gave birth to a unique piece of literature that has elements of both Paganism and Christianity manifested in it, unlike other contemporary literature.
This begs the question: How did it happen?
The Anglo-Saxons who had migrated from Germany brought their Pagan religion and culture with them to Britain. However, during the seventh century, the Anglo-Saxon society gradually shifted to Christianity due to the influence of two Christian missions to the English. The blend of Paganism and Christianity resulted in literature pieces that appear to be a combination of Germanic heroism and follows the Christian moral framework. The mixture of these two values is evident as the work encompasses Christian themes and motifs, together with traditional mythological elements.
So, what is the value that reflects the cultural ideals and aspirations of both Paganism and Christianity?
Heroism.
Valhalla (1896) by Max Brückner
Before Paganism and Christianity merged into Anglo-Saxon society, they were vastly distinct. Let’s examine each society's unique concept of Heroism which reflect their cultural ideals and aspirations.
In Paganism, heroism was highly upheld as the means of survival and prosperity to fight other tribal powers in defending or expanding their territories. Their military ideals are reflected through the weapons found in Pagan graves of the upper classes where they were buried with finer grave goods. In Norse mythology, the idea of the afterlife — Valhalla — where only brave warriors slain in battle can go leads to numerous warriors pursuing personal glory. Warriors were promised honor, glory, and legacy as motivation. This social structure led to heroism being considered as a crucial value in society.
On the other hand, the influence of Christianity is apparent with the idea of communal heroism which is putting others’ needs above one’s needs. In Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." This verse encourages believers to prioritize and care for others within the community, placing others’ needs above their own. Christianity offered a framework that emphasises the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and love for others.
How does Heroism manifest in Beowulf ?
Heroism in Paganism is inherently individualistic where people strive for personal glory. Individualistic heroism maintains social order by upholding the social structure and hierarchy of warrior aristocracy. This value is promoted throughout the poem where Beowulf is portrayed as a heroic figure who undertakes daring feats and battles against foes, often acting independently.
As a warrior, personal glory is one of Beowulf’s motivating factors in his bravery which makes his heroism exhibit traits of individualism. In lines 1387-1389 “Let whoever can/ Win glory before death. When a warrior is gone,/ That will be his best and only bulwark,” Beowulf encourages people to pursue achievements and glory before their inevitable death as it provides a sense of purpose and leaves a legacy. He argues that the glory or legacy left behind by a warrior ensures their great deeds are remembered even after death. In another scene, after Beowulf is crowned king, his 50 years of reign are peaceful until he is faced with the threat of a dragon which invokes his individualistic heroism and pursuit of personal glory.
He does not shy away from conveying his pursuit of glory through lines 2513-2514 “But as king of this people I shall pursue this fight/ For the glory of winning”, and lines 2677-2680 “Inspired again/ By the thought of glory, the war-king threw/ His whole strength behind a sword-stroke/ And connected with the skull.” It can be said that Beowulf puts his desire for personal glory above the safety of the community because his decision to fight alone can be seen as reckless; he is leaving his country without a king and stability.
Nonetheless, this scene stresses the individual heroism and idea of personal glory that is a key aspect in Beowulf’s character and promotes the individualistic themes in the poem. Thus, it can be said that the idea of individualistic heroism in Beowulf that emphasises personal glory is promoted and a reflection of the Pagan society’s individualistic nature and heroism.
On the other hand, heroism in Christianity centers around the community and its aim to protect them which highlights acts of selflessness also known as communal heroism. Communal heroism contributes to maintaining social order and protecting society from evil. From the beginning, this value is promoted through the character Beowulf who immediately sets sail to assist Hrothgar against the monster Grendel.
In lines 390-392, "I come to proffer my wholehearted help/ And counsel. I can be useful still/ To your folk in the days to come," Beowulf offers his help to rid of the monster which shows his willingness to fight on behalf of the community. Moreover, Wiglaf helping Beowulf in his fight against the dragon is a portrayal of communal heroism wherein they work together to defeat the dragon which could not have been done individually.
Looking at Beowulf in a Christian framework, it can be said that there is a parallel between Beowulf's selflessness and the Christian Saviour's characteristic. Beowulf’s willingness to self-sacrifice for the community aligns with the virtues that are often associated with the Christian Saviour, Jesus Christ.
In lines 1480-1483 “If this combat kills me, take care/ Of my young company, my comrades in arms./ And be sure also, my beloved Hrothgar,/ To send Hygelac the treasures I received,” Beowulf exhibits his selflessness and readiness to self-sacrifice when he puts others' safety above his own, voluntarily fights the monster and focuses on others’ needs instead of his own if he dies. Their similarity is further illustrated when both Beowulf and Jesus ultimately sacrificed themselves for the safety of the community. Thus, it can be said that the idea of communal heroism, especially selflessness is promoted and reflects the Christian society’s collective nature and value.
So… where is the interplay?
The interplay of heroism between Paganism and Christianity is displayed when the Christian idea of selflessness is incorporated into the Pagan framework which focuses on the pursuit of personal glory. Even though individualism and collectivism may seem contradictory, the pursuit of personal glory and selflessness promoted in Beowulf compliments each other. While different examples were used to draw attention to Beowulf's individualistic heroism or communal heroism, lines 2513-2514 put emphasis on his interplay heroism:
1. He puts others before himself by protecting and helping others because he believes that it is his duty as king to protect.
2. He is motivated by the personal glory and legacy he can achieve by slaying the dragon and protecting the community.
Beowulf is a character who is often motivated by personal glory yet he remains selfless and does not hesitate to sacrifice himself for the sake of the community. He does not allow his pursuit of personal glory to impede himself from saving the community nor does he tolerate doing charity work with no promise of glory or rewards.
The interplay of the two elements unveils a nuanced portrayal of heroism that highlights the relationship and coexistence between the two religions which is elusive in other Old English literature. It ultimately reflects how the spread of Christianity influences the Anglo-Saxon society's values yet they continue to uphold Pagan values.
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