PS to Michael.
Yes, the raven was sent out before the dove but we don't know what happened to it. I don't think the brain behind Beowulf would have access to that information as the action takes place in a very limited geographic area (Geat = Götaland, both east and west) and Denmark (which at that time controlled southern Sweden).
Of course, I am not saying so with any degree of certainty, but it doesn't seem probable to me. Until proven wrong, I'll stick to my notion that a Christian veneer has been superimposed on a pagan epic poem.
Likely I am not the first or only one to entertain this idea. I'm looking forward to the arrival of my new books.
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