Beowulf 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 story teller uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. Just …showed first 75 words of 986 total…

…showed last 75 words of 986 total…evil in any form including that of his foe Grendel. This deed serves throughout the epic serves as a symbol of Beowulf's Goodness. Beowulf has many other such archetypal, symbolic themes and motifs, but the most important themes that serve to add depth to the characters are the wealth, honor, 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.