chronicle their initial assessment of one another. The Queen also has her say on the matter. Historically speaking, what these sections serve to do is show the importance of

of King Hrothgar in defeating a man-eating monster, Grendel, who is terrorizing his people and killing his warriors each night. There is, likewise, a similar threat to King Hrothgars people.

in defending his people. It is a story that has its origins in pagan culture, but it was recorded by a Christian scribe (Saupe 97). Therefore there are "overlays" that

text, a supernatural force, and the celebration of the hero. Structurally speaking, an epic is "a long narrative poem on a great and serious subject" (Lucas). A primary epic

inhabitants of England with the Christian influence that were undoubtedly added by the unknown poet who set the oral epic to paper. Nevertheless, despite the additions of Christian influence, the

is a woman so evil that she deserves death. Through the poem, Grendels mother is pictured as an "evil, masculine, monstrous woman" (Porter). The Beowulf poet uses the word

pagan elements. The world pictured in Beowulf is dominated by warriors, men who placed their faith primarily in two things -- their leader (their "thane") and in "wyrd" (a

great mead-hall Heorot, which is ruled by Hrothgar. Section VIII of the poem pictures Beowulf addressing the assembly and bragging extravagantly about his own brave, skill and heroism. He says,

through numerous means, especially contrast and comparions. Grendel is shown to be totally without honor and is wild. "Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his

existed between a warrior and his "thane," that is, his liege lord. The concept of thane is not precisely synonymous with "king," as the relationship is founded on mutual feelings

story into its form was a Christian; however, it is also offers glimpses into a remote, ancient warrior culture whose values and precepts seem strange to modern sensibilities (Donaldson 31).

is motivated by fame, energized by tempting fate, and as he grows older increasingly conscious of the destiny awaiting all mortals - death. In all works of heroic literature, "The

to serve himself. Beowulf seeks fame, glory, treasure, and the immortality of a death in combat to secure his legacy. The Anglo-Saxon poem "Beowulf," which is believed to

serve the king and save the Danes, who appear to be senselessly slaughtered. He may have been drafted into the contest, but he undertakes the task as his own.

the "somber grandeur of Beowulf is still capable of stirring the hearts of readers" (31). Although the poem is English in its language and origin, the characters in the