The document discusses Anglo-Saxon beliefs reflected in Beowulf based on several passages. It describes Grendel and his ancestors as forever opposing God's will. It notes Grendel never dared touch King Hrothgar's throne because it was protected by God, whose love Grendel could not know. It also explains Beowulf's decision to fight Grendel with his bare hands so as not to dishonor himself in front of his lord Higlac, and that Beowulf acknowledged God would decide the outcome rather than certainty of victory or loss.

1. Inferences
about
Anglo-Saxon
Beliefs

2. Beliefs about Evil
• Lines 28-29
• Grendel and His Ancestors
– “A brood forever opposing the Lord’s Will, and
again and again defeated”

3. Beliefs about God
• Lines 81-85
• Grendel
– “never dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious
Throne, protected by God – God , whose love
Grendel could not know”

4. Beliefs towards Honor
• Line s 264-269
• Beowulf declares the will fight Grendel with
his bare hands
– because the monster uses no weapons
– because “My lord Higlac might think less of me if I
let my sword go where my feet were afraid to”

5. Beliefs about Future
• Beowulf does not approach his encounter
with Grendel feeling certain he will win or
lose.
– Asserts
• “God must decide who will be given to death’s cold
grip”
• “Fate will unwind as it must!”