In the late hundreds C.E. the spread of Christianity greatly influenced the Germanic ideals, one can see this drastic transition in character while reading and comparing the books of Beowulf and King Arthur. Although the story archetypes remain the same for the most part, different ideals reflect themselves in a variety of ways. Things like companions and quest are still important to the people, but their ideals change. The ideals of the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe drastically change as Christianity moves across the region, and their archetypes reflect this change of character in the culture. In Beowulf, Beowulf and his companions express the heritage based Germanic Ideal of Comitatus or "loyalty to king and companions". Before fighting …show more content…
After "She (Grendel's mother) takes one of the retainers," and kills him, Beowulf "does not grieve," but he immediately sets out on a quest because "It is always better to avenge dear ones than to indulge in mourning" (1298,1383). Beowulf is setting out on a quest to avenge his personal advisor after his death at the hands of Grendel's mother. Beowulf, seeking revenge in his quest, upholds Wergeld. The situation reeks of irony because Grendel's mom killed Beowulf's Thane in retaliation for the death of her son. Beowulf seeks atonement for the death of his comrade in his quest. One must wonder whether or not revenge actually atones for a man's death or if it just a selfish act of foolishness that appeases one's desires. After Headred's "hospitality is mortally rewarded with a sword," by King Onela, Beowulf "contrives to avenge the fall of his prince," and settles the feud "when he kills Onela," (2388, 2392, 2397). Beowulf goes on a campaign or quest to avenge the death of Headred. Instead of trying to make peace with King Onela, Beowulf proclaims himself judge, jury, and executioner, when he decides that it is a better idea to end Onela's life. Beowulf has put his kingdom at somewhat of a risk by not trying to make peace with the Swedes. Onela's people may forgive, but they surely will never forget what Beowulf has done, and they may attempt to seek vengeance as well. Most likely, Onela's people will not see Beowulf's action as an atonement, but as an act of war. In contrast, Sir Launcelot, "on the Quest of the Holy Grail," tries to gain purity through his quest because "his sin comes between him and them (holy things)" (309,310). Sir Launcelot embarks on the much more mature, Christian quest of obtaining purity. His quest never revolves around something as childish as revenge or Wergeld. Launcelot recognizes that his past sins, including his affair with Queen Guenivere,