The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is the most important work of Old English literature, and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who rids the Danes of the monster Grendel, a descendent of Cain, and of his exploits fighting Grendel’s mother and a Dragon. Throughout the epic, the Anglo-Saxon storyteller uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. As I …showed first 75 words of 1182 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1182 total…religious, man, and wildness themes. These themes don’t only serve to define a character, but they also factor in as a motive for their actions. Overall, I believe Beowulf is the most honorable warrior in literature for a person to look to as a hero. He risked his life to save the ones he loves and looked to God for the strength and courage he needed to win against the evil of his world.