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Beowulf and the Bible // Abigale Bell

 


Something that stood out to me in this portion of Beowulf was the writer's apparent knowledge of Scripture. Numerous times throughout the reading I found references to Biblical history and Biblical representations of God. 

When the author introduces us to the lineage of the monsters, Grendel and his mother, he alludes to the story of Cain and Able. 

"And from Cain there sprang misbegotten spirits, among them Grendel..." (Beowulf, 1265-1266).

Later in the story, the author describes the hilt of the sword Beowulf uses to slay Grendel's mother. Engraved upon the hilt was a depiction very similar to The Flood of Genesis 6-7.

"...the Almighty made the waters rise, drowned them in the deluge of retribution" (1692-1693).

"Finally, the water covered even the highest mountains on the earth...God wiped out every living thing on the earth..." (Genesis 7:19, 23). 

Because the story of Beowulf was set in a place where there was no apparent knowledge of Christianity, it seems ironic that the story would be so rife with Christian references. 

Not only is the Bible often mentioned so directly, but it is alluded to through mentions of God in the story. Line 978 of Beowulf says, "...the mighty judgement of God in majesty..." Later, we see "...the wondrous gifts God has showered on him: He relied for help on the Lord of All, on His care and favor..." (1271-1273). The allusions continue throughout the story. In a world of paganism, it seems ironic how readily the characters make Scriptural references. 

It was mentioned in class that Beowulf may have been written by someone in the church, or at least someone who was formerly so. This idea seems to make more sense now that I see how often the Bible is mentioned. 


Commented on Hailey Morgan's and Emmett's posts.

Comments

  1. Jamie PetersFebruary 22, 2021 at 5:55 PM

    Acute observations, Abigail! I can confirm that the numerous biblical allusions have confounded literary historians for years. Unfortunately, it is a mystery what the purpose behind writing this work is. I believe that it might be a discipleship tactic, trying to appeal to pagans with a mixture of Scripture and mythological tendencies, but I don't know.

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  2. Emma Kate PattersonFebruary 22, 2021 at 8:03 PM

    I like that you were able to recognize the Biblical references in the book and the irony it created. I liked that the book was able to bring Christianity into a book set somewhere where it was believed that there was little if any knowledge about Christianity.

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  3. Micah PowersFebruary 23, 2021 at 8:06 AM

    I love the scriptural references and nods. This may be an inappropriate comparison but it feels much like Easter eggs throughout Star Wars films and series. As a Christian, those tidbits of scripture or scripture like areas call me deeper into the storyline allowing me to disappear into the book while reading it is quite pleasurable. I also agree with Jamie on it being a discipleship tactic. I think it is one of the best things in the world when you are able to see the crimson thread (so to speak) flow into non scripture. I am reminded of something my sophomore small group leader told me, "you may be the only bible someone ever reads." I feel like that is the case with many other books as well.

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