Medieval Literature1In Beowulf the warriors are a mix of pagan and Christian traditions. They prove themselves through violence and battle rather than through prayer and piety. Yet they also have a good vs. evil concept that reflects the God vs. Sata Continue Reading...
In this context, Beowulf is indeed the preserver of order against the darkness and anarchy brought by the violent, evil forces: "The circle of light that is human life is constantly under attack by the powers of Chaos and darkness, and the hero fend Continue Reading...
Because of its importance to the Anglo-Saxons, and especially because of its ability to transform the Anglo-Saxon society from a pagan to a Christian culture, the contemporary era is in aw of the mere power of Beowulf.
Thus, Beowulf is a literary m Continue Reading...
Beowulf and I is an Other
Metaphor in Beowulf and I is an Other
James Geary states that "metaphor grounds even the most abstract ideas in the physiological facts of our bodies" (96). This is nowhere more true than in the medieval epic Beowulf, whic Continue Reading...
Christian Elements in Beowulf
Blending Pagan and Christian Themes in Beowulf
The epic poem Beowulf was written during a time of great change. Ancient pagan societies were going through extreme religious and cultural transitions with the widespread Continue Reading...
XV were Christian is beyond doubt; and it is equally certain that Beowulf was composed in a Christianised England, since conversion took place in the sixth and seventh centuries. Yet the only Biblical references in Beowulf are to the Old Testament, a Continue Reading...
Interestingly, although Raskolnikov's punishment comes before the end of the novel, only after he is banished to Siberia is he able to truly let God into his heart. This shows how earthly punishment and salvation are not always linked. The novel end Continue Reading...
Beowulf is one of the oldest heroic sagas in existence, yet it contains many themes that occur and reoccur in modern heroic literature. The hero is designated as 'special,' with a 'special' mission to aid others. He faces a series of trials that ena Continue Reading...
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In total contrast with these heroes lies the modern hero or better said the modern man defined by his struggle for power. The idea of an individual selling his or her soul to the devil for knowledge is an old motif in Christian folklore, one that Continue Reading...
They believed in the idea of Wyrd, or the Nordic version of fate. This fate was based on past events of an individual's life. Their future would be adjusted accordingly by Wyrd, much like the Eastern idea of Karma, (Herbert 1995). It was the destiny Continue Reading...
Epic and Epic Heroes
Epic is probably one of the most fascinating forms of ancient narratives and its contribution to the growth and evolution of literature cannot be overestimated. To seek a clear definition of an epic would be a futile attempt sin Continue Reading...
Hi arrival at Uruk tames Gilgamesh who now leaves the new brides to their husbands (Hooker).
Gilgamesh and Enkidu journey to the cedar forest to acquire timber for Uruk's walls (this need for protection indicates both increased prosperity and furth Continue Reading...