〈베오울프〉에 나타난 이교도와 기독교의 연관성에 관한 연구

A Study on the Relationship between Paganism and Christianity

&nbsp;&nbsp;The argument on the relationship between the paganism and Christianity in Beowulf is based on the cultural and historical background and the overall thematic structure of the poem.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;The sixth-century Scandinavian could not have been Christian, and Christianity first came to England at the end of the sixth century. The beowulf poet is undoubtedly Christian and a mood of spiritual concern permeates the poem. The key to the problem lies in the ease with which heroic(or pagan) and Christian ideas and ideals were interchanged, The biblical allusions in the poem are nearly all from the Old Testament- the creation of the world, Cain, the Flood, but there is no mention of Christ, of angels, saints, heaven or any New Testament event. Although Beowulf is set in Scandinavia, it is safe to talk about a code of behaviour and morality common to all Germanic races in the early Midle Ages. It also appears that the poet had his own society in mind as much as a sixth-century Scandinavian one. The most important concept, the binding force of society, was the comitatus, the mutual loyalty between lord and thane or warrior. The leader gave legal and economic protection(which included armour and gold) in return for military services. It is largely a personal relationship and cuts across tribes, as we see men of different races serving Hrothgar and Hygelac.<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;Concerning the relationship between Paganism and Christianity Beowulf&quot;s inner state of mind at the end of the poem with particular reference to the meaning of ealde riht (the ancient law) provides a clue to the intention of the poet. I believe Beowulf recognizes that he did not live up to this ancient law (which includes the code of revenge) at the time of Hygelac&quot;s death. This realization lies heavily in Beowulf&quot;s heart, demonstrates his maturity as a hero, and marks the culmination of his development from an immature youth to an old, mature king. On the poet&quot;s side this kind of Beowulf&quot;s awakening to new spirituality- the limit of human ability- becomes a means of the Christian poet&quot;s intention of delivering new spiritual value far exceeding pagan value.