Beowulf

Beowulf was originally written by a Pagan, however was later translated by a Christian monk. Pagan influence was very prevalent in this poem. The author makes many references to themes such as “omens” (line 203), “sacrifice[s] to the old stone gods” (line 175), and suggests the idea of fate throughout the epic poem. For example, after Beowulf’s final battle, against the dragon, he remarks “Fate swept us away,/sent my whole brave high-born clan/to their final doom. Now I must follow them” (lines 2814-16). This shows the Pagan belief that one’s fate was predestined and couldn’t b...