The Complexity of Beowolf

One of the greatest sources of tension between paganism and Christianity is in Beowolf himself. I specifically notice it in his character/personality and his actions in many instances throughout the poem, but especially at the poems onset. It seems to me that he is doing a very Christian deed by traveling to Denmark after hearing news of the great evil being visited upon the Scyldings by this troll that dares to slaughter them. In Beowolf's explanation to the coast guard upon arriving, he reveals a desire to ease their sorrows and has even formed a plan of attack that will ensure the defeat of the monster Grendel. The complexity of Beowolf's character is furthered by the means used to defeat the monster, not merely killing him but almost torturing him in a way by bare-handedly ripping of his arm and then displaying the trophy for all to see. This could represent the pagan part of his nature being shown forth in his actions in contrast to his verbal concern for the Scylding people. The brutishness of his attack is followed by a total lack of sorrow for ending the life of another living thing, evil though it be. Beowolf is described as being "pleased with this night's work" (826), an emotion that would not be highlighted in a more Christian setting where meekness or humility would have been a better emotion to display after a successful battle.

Beowolf's character is more fully explored in lines 2176 to 2185 upon his return to the land of the Geats. He is described in glorious praises as having a sort of reverence and respect for the gifts God has given him and the courage and honor he shows both on the battle field and off. I suppose that a more pagan disposition would see such strength and abilities such as Beowolf possesses to be due to one's own accomplishments and not as an "endowment [from] God" (2180-81). Beowolf's character displays such a mix of both pagan and Christian virtues that I see him as the greatest source of tension in the poem. I don't at all feel that this negatively effects the poem. On the contrary, it is the complexity of his nature and the differing references between Christian and pagan beliefs that make Beowolf's adventures so much more intriguing.