Final answer:
The Christian references in the poem of Beowulf are examples of allusion, which are indirect references to the Bible within a pre-Christian epic, creating a blend of cultural and historical themes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The references to the Christian Bible in the poem of Beowulf, such as the mention of Cain, are examples of allusion. An allusion is an indirect reference to another text or piece of knowledge, in this case, referencing a religious text within a largely pre-Christian narrative. This technique is used to create additional layers of meaning and to draw connections between different cultural or historical concepts, which can enrich the story for readers familiar with the alluded material. The poem of Beowulf contains various allusions that shape the reader's understanding of its characters and themes, blending the pagan world with Christian ideology.
The presence of allusion in Beowulf does not necessarily transform the text into a Christian document; rather, it reflects the complex overlay of Christian culture onto earlier traditions. These references have been woven into the fabric of the poem, perhaps by later scribes or during the process of its oral transmission, to resonate with audiences familiar with Christian typology and ethics while maintaining the poem's original heroic and legendary atmosphere.