Question

What details in the epic show the importance of christian beliefs? (b) what details reveal the importance of pagan warrior values, such as a belief in fate, a taste for boasting, a pride in loyalty, and a desire for fame?

Answer 1

Christian beliefs - Selflessness - Wiglaf, the selfless character who everyone should aspire to be. He stays with Beowulf even when the other ten men flee. This also relates to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, except Beowulf is betrayed by all but one of his men. Boasting - Beowulf boasts about his match with Breca on the open seas and recounts the story of his victory of Grendel and his mother several times throughout the poem. Pride in loyalty - See above (Wiglaf) Desire for fame - The entire reason Beowulf travels to help the Danes with Grendel. Also can be seen as a selfish act which is counter to Christian beliefs.