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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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.

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

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

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

also showing caution, at least at first, concerning Beowulf. The first excerpt to be examined shows Hrothgar speaking to Beowulf: "For fight defensive, Friend my Beowulf, to succor and save,

"Hrothgar O sovran Hrothgar, to seek thee here" possessed of his "nerve and...might" (VI). He tells Hrothgar that he will do whatever is necessary even if "if death must take

offers a rather broader depiction of the society of his time: society has become more diverse, since Chaucers pilgrims represent numerous different lifestyles and degrees of social standing. The warrior