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“The Seafarer” and Beowulf

In both “The Seafarer” and Beowulf christian attitudes are expressed. In “The Seafarer” the writer expressed reliance on God because the pagan beliefs were dark and misleading. This contrasts what the author wrote in Beowulf because the pagan ideas are mixed in with the Christian views. In “The Seafarer” written by an unknown poet, the author shows his reliance on God by having a sense of fear towards fate. The author expands his ideas and trusts in his lord proving that he is a Christian believer. “Thus the jos of God are fervent with life” (line 64-65).

Then in the following lines the author tells the reader of how his pagan beliefs dimished away through his Christian beliefs. “Where life itself fades quickly into the earth”(65-66). Even though fate may have a stronger appeal, the author tells how God will still win followers. “Fate is stronger, God is mightier than any man’s mind” (115-116). The author also wants to prove to the reader that life is good in a Christian world. “And a song to celebrate a place with the angels, life eternally blessed in the hosts of heaven” (78-80). The author’s Christian views are strongly shown to the reader throughtout the poem.

In Beowulf, pagan beliefs are mixed in with Christian views. Christian views were still new during this era, so folklore and pagan tales were mixed into the piece as well. Throughout the poem the Geats and Hrothgar’s men give thanks to God. “They gave thanks to God for their easy crossing”(143). “Thanked God that their hero had come back unharmed” (598). Pagan beliefs were shown through their Christian views though. Many times Beowulf is seen relying on a message of fate. In Beowulf’s speech on arrival at Herot Hall, he says “Fate will unwind as it must” (284).

The pagan beliefs of a fatalist are shown thorugh most of Beowulf’s speeches. “And I think, if my time will have come” (274). In Beowulf the blend of pagan ideas and Christianity is a well written contrast. Christian attitudes are expressed in both Beowulf and “The Seafarer,” but the views and contrasts are different. “The Seafarer” has a reliance on God because of the author’s fear of fate. Beowulf is expressed differently. In Beowulf both Christianity and pagan beliefs can be seen clearly. The vast differences in these two works on beliefs are easily noticed.

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