The Heroic Significance of Christ in The Dream of the Rood...

The Heroic Significance of Christ in The Dream of the Rood Incorporating traditional Anglo Saxon beliefs of heroism with the image of Christ on the cross allows the poet of The Dream of the Rood to effectively communicate the benefits of Christianity to pagan warriors. By comparing characteristics, duties, and treatment of heroes in Beowulf and the Battle of Maldon to the depiction of Christ in The Dream of the Rood, it becomes evident that the image of Christ is altered to mirror that of heroic warriors. Through this melding of heroic beliefs and Christianity, the poet of Rood is able to show how Christ can become the ultimate ring giver or Lord. Dominant characteristics of heroes in Beowulf and The Battle of Maldon revolve†¦show more content†¦The Christ depicted in this passage willingly accepts his battle on the cross and because of this act the poet then goes on to describe Christ as a warrior, strong, and stouthearted. Christ is not portrayed as a meek and humble man resigned to his task as savior and lord. Within this portion of the text, he becomes a bold warrior climbing the cross as if going into battle. At the end of the poem, the narrator looks to Christ and the cross for protection. Furthermore, the primary duty of a hero is to provide his kinsmen with great treasure and weaponry. Beowulf fulfills this duty by stating Behold this treasure #8230; that I have been allowed to leave my people#8230; (Beowulf 91) to Wiglaf after defeating the dragon. The warriors in The Battle of Maldon describe their Lord and hero as a treasure-giver, and also a ring-giver. The warriors in both of these texts reflect on all that their lords or heroes provide for them. It is through this gratification for material wealth that kinsmen feel so indebted to fighting for their lord. Wiglaf illustrates this concept when he remembers the bountiful gifts bestowed upon him (Beowulf 88) and finds that he could not hold back (Beowulf 88) from his lords side. Christ also fulfills this duty of a hero by bestowing many wonderful gifts and treasures upon any man who will follow Him faithfully. The treasures described in the poemShow MoreRelatedAn Assortment Of Heroism : Sir Gawain And The Gre en Knight1171 Words   |  5 PagesSteven Brent Bunn ENG 261-02 3/21/2016 Research Project An Assortment of Heroism Theme is essential to any great work of literature, and while the following are certainly very different tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Beowulf and The Dream of the Rood each have particularly strong themes of heroism, though, they each have their own distinct idea of what heroism is, their own flavor one might say. It is partly because of their strong themes and ideas that they are still well-known and readRead MoreAnglo-Saxon Heroic Poetry5673 Words   |  23 Pagesthe Heroic, the sources of which are pre-Christian Germanic myth, history and custom; and the Christian. Heroic, or Epic Poetry belongs to one of these two types and refers to long narrative poems celebrating the great deeds of one or more legendary heroes, in a grand, ceremonious style. In its strict use by literary critics, the terms Heroic Poetry or Epic are applied to a work that meets the following criteria: such a poem must be related in an elevated style, and centered upon a heroic or quasi-divineRead M oreThe Importance Of Heroism In Beowulf1073 Words   |  5 Pagespagan story with Christian overlays or a Christian story with pagan overtones, and these stances have been debated upon for a very long time. Nonetheless, the fact that the writer tries to hide a religious culture underneath another holds great significance. Religion only influences Beowulf because of its importance, its symbolic essentiality and the writer’s aim to a pass a message, creating a grim picture through characterization to his audience. Religious beliefs like Paganism, Christianity, TotemicRead MoreThe King of Kings2050 Words   |  8 PagesIn the Bible, Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the Christian God is described as the â€Å"King of Kings†. Christians since before the dream of Constantine have believed God and Christ constitute a ruler of the universe. Anglo-Saxon society perceived the Christian God in the mold of the pre-Christian Germanic tradition of kingship. The Anglo-Saxon percepti on of God as a king in the Germanic tradition has tremendous significance on late Anglo-Saxon politics. The inclusion of the Christian deity in the leadership