As a reader, you are able so see the importance of civic duty, which is a key element to paganism. In Beowulf and Battle of Maldon, “the chief inspiration was helping out one’s fellow man” and protecting their Lord, which demonstrates the importance of a community to Pagans. It was not each man trying to devote his life to a God but rather to a community. (Carpenter 199) It was not each man for himself tying to save his soul but it was about community and civic duty. In Beowulf, the concept of “blood revenge” is an element of paganism and we see that when Beowulf has the urge to kill Grendel’s mother even though he death isn’t justified.
Paganism can be interpreted in the Wanderer as well. When reading this poem, one can interpret the religion as paganism because of the tone and the content. Loss is the central theme of this poem and the loss is from community. The wanderer is forced to roam by himself and because of the tone we as the reader know being exiled is the worst possible outcome because they are no longer part of anything. The wanderer finds comfort in ubi sunt because that is what has brought him the most joy is being in a community serving a Lord. If this had Christian influence, he wouldn’t be as upset because he is working and living for God. The Wanderer exemplifies the sorrow one feels with the loss of a lord and his community.
Even though Beowulf has pagan influence, Christianity can also be interpreted in this piece of literature. Both Grendel and Grendel’s mother in Beowulf are descendants of Cain, which comes from Christianity. In lines 105 through 115, the lines present the idea that Grendel encompasses the qualities of his descendant Cain.
“Cain got no good from committing that murder
because the Almighty made him anathema
and out of the curse of his exile there sprang
ogres and elves and evil phantoms
and the giants too who strove with God
time and again until He gave them their reward” (Abrams, 35).
In this quote, God’s creation told by the scops angered Grendel. Christianity is present here not only because of the reference to Cain but also there is reference to one God, which is a key element to Christianity. Later in lines 180-186, there is again reference to the Lord, God and Almighty which reference to Christianity. The combination of Christianity and Paganism is seen in Dream Of the Rood. The cross acts as a central character in this piece.