Beowulf- First half

Christianity

The influence of Christianity is obvious from the first section of Beowulf which gives a brief interpretation of the Creation story from Geneses. Then it describes Grendel as a member of Cain’s race.

All through the first part of Beowulf references are made to the “Maker”, “God”, the “Lord”, “the Lord God”, “the Father”, the “holy God” all in a pretty Christian way.

Grace

The concept of grace is also mentioned several times such in the last part of section IV with the line “almighty Father— guard you in his grace” (1201). Section VI gives us another example of the usage of grace “. . . Holy God—In His grace has guided him to us” (1202). This idea of God’s grace is pretty decidedly a Christian concept.

Another interesting point is regarding the use of weapons. When Beowulf and his warrior companions are awaiting a certain confrontation with Grendel it is chosen that they should fight without the use of weapons. Beowulf states that if Grendel decides to use weapons that is would be up to the judgment of God to decide who wins. I don’t think I am taking too much liberty in saying that this is faith.

It is also important that in Beowulf (or the sections I have read so far) there is a clear separation between Evil and Good and further more between people who are purely pagan and those who have been influence to some degree by Christianity.

Mythical Creatures

I also notice quite a few mythical creatures mentioned in Beowulf (as to be expected). I did however have a few points of only slight and probably irrelevant confusion. The first section lists several mythical creatures as descendants of Cain, including trolls, elves and “the living dead”. My question is does “living dead”= vampires? I am thinking is does :)

Next, are the evil underwater creatures Beowulf describes slaying 9 of in the section IX mermaids? Again it sounds like a pretty clear mermaid reference to me.