Religion n. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. By Jillian Mershon, Sally Burke, and Ashley McHale

The Pagan Gods Woden Tiw Thunor Frig Wyrd The Pagan Gods had a huge influence on the story Beowulf. The term Pagan is derived from the Latin Paganus meaning “Rural” or “Rustic” of the country. Paganism uses Greek Mythology and Roman religion to show their beliefs.

Woden (Wōden) Woden is regarded as the head of god of the Anglo- Saxons. We find the name Woden in the word Wednesday, which comes from the Old English Wodnesdaeg, or the day of Woden. Woden was actually a Christian introduction used for political and social gains.

Woden cont. Anglo-Saxons sacrificed to Woden before battle, which was a common practice amongst all Germanic peoples. The Anglo-Saxons fought many battles and had pre and post battle sacrifice to Woden. The reason for this sacrifice was to win the help and blessing of god during the battle.

Woden to Beowulf Woden relates to the book Beowulf in many ways. Woden can be compared to Hrothgar and how he ruled Herot. In a way, Beowulf sacrificed himself during battle against Grendel and the other monsters, where he endangered his life to save the city of Herot.

Tiw (Týr) Tiw is the god of single combat, victory and heroic glory in mythology, and is portrayed as a one handed man. Legends say that Tiw’s hand was bitten off by a wolf during battle. Beowulf is reflective of Tiw in the story, because Beowulf won many courageous battles and is honored for his heroic actions.

Thunor (Thor) Thunor is the red-haired and bearded god of thunder of Germanic Paganism. He was the god of the sky, ruler of storms and tempests. Thunor used to be the god of ordinary people, the farmers, peasants, oarsmen, settlers and pioneers until his fate changed and he became god of the sky. We can relate Thunor to Beowulf because Beowulf used to be an ordinary man, until he built up the strength to become a great known warrior.

Frig (Frigga) Frig is a major goddess of the Pagan gods, and is the wife of Oden. Frig is the “foremost amongst the goddesses” and is a wife and a mother. Frig is the only Pagan goddess who is allowed to sit on her husbands high seat, Hlidskjalf, and watch over the universe. We can relate Frig to Beowulf because Beowulf watched over Herot and protected the people who lived there.

Wyrd Wyrd is an Old English word that is corresponding to the common words, sacred, fate or karma. Fate is described as something that unavoidably befalls a person. Beowulf’s fate is to fight until he dies. Through the text, we can give examples of Beowulf’s fate when he fights the deadly dragon. Beowulf knows the dragon is impossible to kill, and no metal can protect him, yet he attempts to slay him because it is his destiny.

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