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

overall situation and conflict between the pagan and Christian religions which existed in England at that time. The heavy Christian influence in the poem however, is reflected in the Christian

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

the Church deemed it proper to allow them to retain many of their former customs, providing those customs were not explicitly forbidden by the Bible. The same approach applies

on the wording within the Olde English text and on the Christian actions of the characters. Larry Benson pointed out the fact that seeing the characters as both emphatically

as the Last Survivors Speech. This melancholic and fatalistic monologue brings about a profound tonal shift in the poem, reversing the previous tone of Anglo-Saxon bravado which champions the values

has left behind. One manuscript exists in the British museum recording the epic tale of Beowulf. It has been estimated to be about a thousand years old. It

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

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,

Aeneas is bound by the heroic values of a warrior class. However, while Aeneas first inclination is to fight the invading Greeks, he is presented with portents and powerful visual

it was composed by a "Christian scribe for a Christian audience with some pagan sympathies" (Saupe 97). In the new translation of "Beowulf" by the Irish poet Seamus

of strength, courage, power and physical aptitude have as much in common with social implications as with historical rhetoric. The celebration of life that Beowulf represents is indicative of the

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.

in order to deliver the king from his enemy, Grendel. He was not asked to do this. He merely felt that it was a task which needed to be done,

ago a hero was most likely male and invincible. Heroes were the real deal then. They were strong and manly and although they were allowed to express emotion, they were