wyl.p6.t3 Anglo-Saxon Synthesis

Dylan Mulcahy
James Jin
Caleb Ong
Jenny Zhan
Team 3, Period 6


Synthesis Question: Anglo-Saxon Era

Within the Anglo-Saxon text Beowulf, a cultural conflict and shift from Greek to Anglo-Saxon ideals can be seen as a prevalent theme throughout the story. Beowulf positions itself clearly that Christianity was the truth and polytheism led to damnation. When Grendel had attacked the Danes, some turned their faith back to pagan polytheism. The text of Beowulf states “Oh cursed is he who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul in fire’s embrace…. but the blessed is he who after death can approach the Lord…” (Heaney, Line 183). This is a clear statement showing the changing position in the concept of a higher power. The way that Beowulf was passed down throughout generations was a clear sign of changing traditions as well. For example, the Greeks often spread their literature through the incorporation of theater. This heavily emphasized body movement due to sheer size of audience and inability to hear the voice. Historical evidence shows that the Anglo-Saxons often spread the tale of Beowulf through a minstrel telling the tale within mead hall gatherings and celebrations in which the voice was a crucial instrument in telling the story. These are two completely contrasting ideals that easily express cultural shift in literature. Another such example was the concept of murder. In original Greek culture, murder was acceptable if committed to protect honor, societal norms and traditions, uphold the law, and to protect the “natural order” of religion and state. Anglo-Saxon culture had shifted greatly in ideals due to following Biblical text. In Beowulf, the damned demon Grendel was descended from Cain who “For the killing of Abel the Eternal Lord had exacted a price” (Heaney, Line 107). This is a direct allusion in which humanity had apparently committed its first grave sin of murder. The only time in which killing is justifiable in Anglo-Saxon culture is in which it is justified by God’s will. The view on murder can be seen differently now; from a more Greek view of murder where killing upheld honor and tradition, Anglo-Saxon committed it in the interest of God’s divine right and power but otherwise found life more sacred. Fate and faith is another example within Greek and Anglo-Saxon literature that be heavily contrasted. Greek stories and tradition stated that all people have a preset destiny that cannot be changed and only the gods themselves may change it if you appease them. Within Beowulf, Anglo-Saxons saw fate as relatively uncertain and easily changeable with every action committed, with God as one who could influence it. Within Beowulf, Grendel and Grendel’s mother can be interpreted as a portrayal in the concept of Anglo-Saxon views on faith and fate since they acted outside of God’s will and directly opposed Him. With Beowulf’s firm and unwavering faith in God, he is able to change the possible fate of the Danes’ demise at the hand of the chaotic demons and defeated both demons even at impossible odds with God’s assistance. To go in further detail, he even went so much as fighting Grendel with his bare hands and stated that “the Divine Lord in His wisdom [shall] grant victory to whichever side He sees fit” (Heaney, Line 684). This provides proof that within Anglo-Saxon culture, they changed in the idea that they actually had a part in the path of their own destiny with God a guide. (560 Words)