“The Almighty Judge
of good deeds and bad, the Lord God,
Head of the Heavens and High King of the World,
was unknown to them. Oh, cursed is he
who in time of trouble has to thrust his soul
in the fire’s embrace, forfeiting help;
he has nowhere to turn. But blessed is he
who after death can approach the Lord
and find friendship in the Father’s embrace.”
Beowulf, Norton, Line 180 - 188 page 7
This is another example of how the people put all their faith in God which isn’t a bad thing, but doesn’t really leave much to the imagination. They seem to believe that God is the end all be all and if you don’t get in good with him then your life is pretty much over. In this story it is clear that this is a play for God, who has power over all, and there is no way out even in death because it is up to him as to where you go.
