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Beowulf shows evidence of Christian influence when it speaks of the one God who protects Beowulf in his battle with Grendel's mother by showing him the only weapon that can destroy her. Hrothgar's speech to Beowulf warns of excessive pride and greed that sounds very much like a sermon. The temporality of earthly glory and possessions also fits into Christian thought. There is mention of Cain as "God's enemy"(48) and his progeny that includes both Grendel and his mother. The pagan influence in Beowulf is the need to take vengeance for a wrong inflicted. The inclusion of the sword in Grendel's mother's cave goes against Christianity for it has pagan roots since the sword is "good and adorned, the work of giants"(47). |