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: : : I'm writing a paper and need help with the : : : question: : : : What are the Christian elements of the story? : : : : : Thanks for your thoughts. : : To answer the last question first, the feudal nature of the society is established in the opening address to the audience. Remember, the scop was both author and performer so his personal embellishments probably changed with each telling. He tells us of the geneological legitimacy of Hrothgar, who is is direct descendent of Shild--Beo--Haelfdane--Hrothgar. Each of these kings is praised for his : : a) leadership as a warrior ( warrior society and values) : : b) ability to salt the economy with slaves and riches : : c) generosity with his subject who are warriors and local lords. : : Shild is also praised for providing a son. This establishes a stable succession of power. The geneology of the opening of the tale, establishes that Hrothgar is in fact a legitimate heir to the thone and so we will that the devastation visited by Grendel upon the Dane is not the nature outcome of an unworthy leader. The spiritual world is a significant part of this Old English poem. : : : : Perhaps the first of the christian elements is evident as the first attacks of Grendel. In some translations, it is the singing of hymns (worship of God) which incites the monster to attack. In subsequent attacks, Grendel is referred to a the spawn of hell. He is the offsping of evil and he is capable of a kind of transmorgraphication to multiple demons. There is reference to the sin of Cain (who in the Old Testament of the Bible) killed his brother Abel. : : : : Sorry, gotta run. The bell rang. : : Eileen Zulli, English EAHS : : zullie@eastonsd.org

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