Beowulf was written around 700 AD by an unknown author. Although it is part of English literature, it does not take place in England. Instead, he tells the reader about events that happened in Sweden and on the Danish island of Zeeland. The pagan and Christian references suggest that the poem is most likely written around the time Anglo-Saxon society was converting from paganism to Christianity. Monasteries provided a place of learning and also preserved certain manuscripts, such as the story of Beowulf. Christianity eventually replaced the pagan religion for the Anglo-Saxons. Although the unknown author of Beowulf develops the main protagonist to represent both paganism and Christianity, the conflicts of ideals create a unique epic poem. Pagans do not believe in life after death. Pagans simply believe that there is nothing after living on Earth. The only way to live after this life is to somehow be a hero and have someone write poems about the hero. People will tell stories about the hero and the hero will live on in their memories. In lines 186-90, Beowulf explains after telling Hrothgar that he will be the one to kill Grendel, "...And if death takes me, send the hammered/The courier of my armor to Higlac, return/The inheritance that I had from Hrethel, and he/From Wayland, fate will unfold as it should!” This quote makes the reader think that Beowulf is pagan. Fate is the paganist belief that no matter what one does to prevent something from happening, it will happen anyway. Beowulf also tries to become a hero that fits pagan beliefs. Why would killing Grendel make him a hero, one might ask? Grendel is a monster that has been killing members of Herot Hall for years. Beowulf decides he needs...... middle of paper ...... other the poem says: "But Beowulf/Hungry only for glory, leapt back/Into battle" (l. 605-04). Beowulf is one. of these stories that make the reader think. Although the unknown author of Beowulf develops the main protagonist to represent both paganism and Christianity, the ideals conflict and create a unique epic poem. Throughout the story, the reader sees a mixture of Christian and pagan ideals telling the story of an epic hero. Because the reader cannot decipher whether he is pagan or Christian, it is logical to assume that he represents both. The author develops Beowulf to speak as if the two religions were working together to create one. Although it is difficult for the reader to understand, Beowulf seems to understand exactly what he believes. The author clearly knew what he was doing when he wrote Beowulf into life. Beowulf's beliefs made him the great epic hero that he is..