The remaining manuscript of Beowulf documents the literary culture of society in the Middle Ages. However, because the manuscript postdates the oral story's origin, the validity of its religious implications is called into question. In order to show the change in Beowulf from a pagan to Christian story, the “Modern Philology” article elucidates how Christian elements were added to adapt to the needs of the changing society of Scandinavia.
Beowulf is filled with conflicting ideas of Christianity and the pagan religions of the Scandinavian peoples. Beowulf does not lend himself to a specific religion, but King Hrothgar announces that Beowulf is the savior of the Danes. When Hrothgar announces this, he uses the words “Holy God”, which is a Christian Term. Also, when Beowulf is reminiscing his fight with Grendel, Hrothgar once again deems Beowulf as the savior of the Danes. Hrothgar says “…a warrior has, through the Lord's power…” (Line 948) saved the Danes. Modern Philology states that the term “Holy God” is a monotheistic saying, not pagan. God is in its singular form, and the pagan religions of Scandinavia believe in a plethora of gods and goddesses. Also, “Holy” is a word used in the same context in the Old and New Testaments. With the rise of Christianity, it is plausible that this word came to be in the story because of it use as a Christian epithet. The bards and scops that told the story were not effective in changing it from pagan to Christian.
Only once does Beowulf acknowledge himself as Christian, which is when he tells his story of defeating Grendel to Hrothgar. Albeit Hrothgar is a Christian character, Hygelac makes reference to religion as well, “both belonged historically to pre-Christian times, while both give thanks to god for Beowulf's success…” (Page 4). This is a significant inconsistency in the text because this is the only place where Beowulf seemingly becomes Christian. Beowulf talks about how he has captured Grendel “… where bide he must, evil outlaw, such awful doom as the Mighty Maker shall mete him out,” (Line 941). Also, Beowulf suddenly becomes righteous and does not want to claim any reward. Perhaps this is was added to the story to provide an example for how people should act, teaching the average person to not be greedy or selfish. Although good in moral, this raises a problem with the uniformity of Beowulf's intent. In the beginning of the story, he arrives in Heorot as a warrior or a mercenary, who seeks to kill Grendel for a tangible reward, not to help others. Following his fight with Grendel, Beowulf fights for the people and is more Saint like than the brutal warrior he was in the beginning of the story.
Despite the fact that Beowulf has lucid pagan origins, there are prominent ideas of Christianity as well. Over the hundreds of years that the story was told, it is conceivable that Christian elements where introduced gradually to fit the needs of the growing population of Christians in the land that Beowulf takes place. The story has a solid plot and is very appealing, but there are many parts where the religions contradict each other, vying for the original and most prevalent part of the story.
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