Question

Reread lines 85–103, which describe how Hrothgar's followers prayed for protection from Grendel's attacks. Are these Christian ideas fully integrated into the epic? Explain why or why not. Support your response with evidence from the text.

Answer 1

Answer:

Christian ideas are definitely not fully integrated into the epic because this poem is primarily and epic, heroic poem at a time where most people were still pagan. If you reread lines 85-103, you will see that Hrothgar's followers do pray for protection from Grendel, but in the latter part of the poem it is mentioned that they prayed to their pagan gods as well.

E.g.

At the shrines of their idols often they promised

Gifts and offerings

In Christianity, God isn't referred to as idol - as a matter of fact, the Bible itself says that no being should be idolized. Therefore, there are definitely some instances of Christian ideas in this poem, but ultimately, it is predominantly a pagan religion written in Beowulf.