Beowulf Essential 2

Discuss biblical allusions and religious symbolism in Beowulf
Religion plays a huge role in Beowulf. During the time that this poem was written Christianity was becoming big, and there is a religious undertone throughout the text. Whenever anyone accomplishes anything they praise and thank God for what they have done. An example of religious undertone is the explanation of Grendel and how he was born. Grendel is born from the seed of Cane and is essentially a spawn of Satan. The same goes for Grendel’s mother. She knows her fate, but still chooses to live her life the way she does because she gave birth to a demon. Religion is key in the poem.
After Beowulf defeats Grendel’s mother he says, “our encounter would have ended at once if God had not guarded me” (1640-1641). Beowulf thanks God for him defeating Grendel’s mother. He said if God were not with him he would have died. This is just one of the numerous examples of religious symbolism in Beowulf.