Topic > the medieval The chivalric epic Beowulf - 986

INTRODUCTIONThis proposition handles Anglo-Saxon customs practice as depicted in the medieval chivalric epic Beowulf. Practices are examined in association with Anglo-Saxon culture, religion and conventions. The ceremonies of a social order are influenced by religion as the religious beliefs of the Anglo-Saxons were quite conflicting, customs differed depending on time and space, and there were often several ceremonies honed in one place at a time. It investigates how pagan practices are supported by archaeological or academic confirmations and how they were influenced by the Christian author. Burial Rituals Numerous burial methods existed in the pagan period. Distinctive burials were practiced in all aspects of Britain, and often several different burial practices were used at the same time. The custom of burial was not consistent; Bronsted says that one of the explanations behind this is that pagan individuals had exceptionally vague thoughts about life after death, so there were doubts about what to do with their deceased (222). An alternative hypothesis is proposed by Collingwood; prescribes that the conflict of the burial ritual is created by the impact of Great Britain. The British population was substantial in some regions but decidedly mixed with the Anglo-Saxon conquerors in other areas. (448).Ship burial, cremation and inhumation were the best known practices in pagan Britain. Paleontologists have discovered cemeteries where all three of these routines are represented, in different places only one burial technique was favored. All these ceremonies were practiced until inhumation, favored by the Christians, completely prevailed. Inhumation was common in Christianity, centering on cards and figures of creatures. The creatures, both in typical and true form, were around standard blessings. The customs recounted in Beowulf relate in various respects to the acts of Anglo-Saxon society in Great Britain, although the enormous number of agnostic ceremonies and traditions were changed and diminished. by the Christian creator. Since the story takes place in Denmark, Anglo-Saxon characteristics may be mixed with Scandinavian ones. Regardless, most of the practices described in Beowulf could be supported by archaeological evidence and literary sources. The pagan customs and traditions depicted in Beowulf often relate to the little evidence we have from this period. While the pagan characteristics are not reliably accurate, they are adapted by the author, so the poem portrays Anglo-Saxon religious practice and custom.