In the epic poem Beowulf, there is an obvious distinction between good and evil. The hero and his foes play roles that are commonly associated with Anglo-Saxon literature. The lines are clearly drawn and expressed in the poem. As the story moves, the reader cannot mistake the roles being played, based on the characterizations in the epic, one recognizes each character for their purpose and place.The epic is named after the hero, Beowulf, who is a man with gleaming armor. (line 130) Because Beowulf is the strongest of the Geats- greater than anyone in the world he was called upon by his uncle Higlac, the king of the Geats, to save Herot from the wrath of Grendel, a terrible monster. (lines 110-111) With him he carries... weapons... no commoner (carries). (lines163-164) His characteristics are that of a superhuman, perfect, stronger than the rest. As the protagonist, Beowulf is a larger than life hero, who has traveled from his homeland to the Danish shores so that he may save the Danes from the torture and terror of Grendel. In the battles of the epic, for the most part he succeeds in the protection of the Danes. Beowulf , a prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on Hrothgars helpless people. (lines 403-406) He eliminates both Grendel, and Grendels mother. Eventually, at a ripe old age, Beowulf finally suffers the wrath of the dragon. He epitomizes the values of a warrior society which include bravery, loyalty, and prowess in battle.As a bloodthirsty fiend, Grendel was the first of the foes Beowulf battles. (line 407) He is a powerful monster, who was spawned in... slime. (lines 1, 19) He is a descendant of Cain, and chose to sacrifice the Danes to no one but himself. Grendel is set on murder.(49-50) Nothing can quench his thirst for evil. (lines 52-53) Grendel stalked Herot and set his wrath loose on all who came to the hall. His mother, the she-wolf lived in an underwater cavern. (l...
