are epitomized, as well as how they endure within their most supreme existence, Beowulf also displays various sociological and humanistic tendencies that are not often recognized in the traditional telling.

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,

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

and Njals Saga (written in the thirteenth century) - revenge and the law are the primary themes that link each tale. They reveal much about the pagan era and

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

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