t of messiah sent by god to save man from evil. But, more than that, since Beowulf is in fact not a messiah, this description shows the good in Beowulfs heart and the purpose of his mission. Another Biblical reference in Beowulf is shown in the tower of Herot which is very similar to the tower of Babel in the fact that its built as a sign of superiority and accomplishment. Like Babel, though, Herot only serves as a symbol ofdownfall more than one of glory because it causes many deaths and thecoming of Grendel. Apart from Wealth, Honor, and Paganistic vs. Biblical themes and motifs, character is also shown through a certain Man vs. Wild motif. This motif shows the difference between mankinds ways (good), and evils wild nature (evil). Grendel for one, is totally wild and is therefore shown as evil. His wild home, Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild marshes, and made his home in a hell not hell but earth. shows his wild, untamed, and therefor evil nature. Grendels wilderness is countered in mankinds ways, especially Beowulfs. Beowulf is tame and civilized, the epitomy of goodness and purity. Beowulf doesnt fight evil in a wild manner, rather, as shown in his first battle with Grendel. First off, Beowulf is pure and showsthis before his battle when he removes his armor and vows not to use aweapon to defeat Grendel. Defeating Grendel, he shows that man, without armor and weapons, can defeat evil in any form including that of his foe Grendel. This deed serves throughout the epic serves as a symbol of Beowulfs Goodness. Beowulf has many other such archetypal, symbolic themes andmotifs, but the most important themes that serve to add depth to thecharacters are the wealth, honor, religious, man, and wildness themes. These themes dont only serve to define a character, but they also factor in as a motive for their actions....
