Beowulf To A Messiah Figure example essay topic
Grendel, however, is the complete opposite of Beowulf. He has no wealth, no honor, and he is infamous as an evil killer. This lack of wealth and honor defines Grendel as a symbol of evil and corruption. Throughout the story, Beowulf is presented as a Christ-like figure. Beowulf has a religious purpose to his character.
One example of this is in line 381 in which Hrothgar states "Now Holy God has, in His goodness, guided him here to the West-Danes, to defend us from Grendel". This religious description relates Beowulf to a messiah figure sent by God to save man from evil. But since Beowulf is not a messiah, this description shows the good in Beowulf and the purpose of his mission. This is also apparent in the events that follow, the way that Beowulf speaks about himself, and the way the people treat him.
The first way Beowulf's likeness to Christ is revealed is through the events that take place. After Beowulf tells Hrothgar, King of the Danes, that he will fight Grendel, there is a celebration. During the celebration, Wealhtheow, the queen 'raised a flowing cup' (45) and poured 'a portion from the jeweled cup / for each' (45-46). When she got to Beowulf, she 'thanked God for answering her prayers' (45).
This event is noticeably similar to the Last Supper when Jesus passed around a cup of wine and gave thanks to God. None of Beowulf's followers defended him just as none of Jesus' followers defended him when he faced death. Beowulf has many other conventional, symbolic themes, and examples, but the most important themes that serve to add depth to the characters are wealth and honor, Biblical or Christ-like, and Good versus Evil. These themes not only serve to define the character, but also factor as a motive for their actions..