The moment the word Beowulf is uttered, one immediately thinks of a pagan and barbaric story. Yet even though the Geats were an independent, seafaring tribe located near the southern end of Sweden, they were still able to portray love of and respect for God, through the actions and words spoken throughout the story. Ultimately, Christian ideals dominate the entire story through actions of the characters and the values of the early Geats and Danes, as well as references to God throughout the poem.

Having eternal gratitude for the actions of Beowulf is one way that the Beowulf poet portrays early Christian ideals through the actions and words. Throughout the story, there are many references to God and Christian principles. The poem is filled with lines such as

"First and foremost, let the Almighty Father be thanked for this sight./ .But the Heavenly Shepherd can work His wonders...