Beowulf, a classical epic written during the eighth century A.D., became the first masterpiece in English literature. This oldest surviving work describes the adventures of a great Scandinavian warrior of the sixth century, who journeys from the southern part of what is now called Sweden to assist a group living in what is now called Denmark. Beowulf is the epic hero of the Anglo-Saxon poem, who endures fame and glory through intense battles with the troll-like monster Grendel, Grendel's mother, and finally with a fire-breathing dragon, in which Beowulf loses his life. Although there is not much factual information about the Beowulf author or the origin of the story, much can be said about the way composition and the influence of literary tradition has on ancient literary works of this time period. One of the major literary elements is the presence of symbolism throughout the epic. Symbolism is the practice of representing things by means of symbols or attributing a meaning of significance to objects, events, and relationships. In the Beowulf epic, the author uses symbolism as a constantly recurring element.
             Beowulf's battles symbolize the youth, adulthood, and maturity of Beowulf's life. First, the encounter with the monster-like Grendel represents the youth of Beowulf, eager to gain fame and glory. Beowulf goes to the Danish King, Hrothgar, and asks for permission to fight the monster and finally relieve the Danes, commencing the torture that they have endured for years. The duel results in the death of Grendel, with the creature's arm symbolizing victory for the adolescent Beowulf. Grendel's nature is equivalent to that of Satan, thus his death symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The slaying of Grendel represents Beowulf's passage into adulthood. In Beowulf's second battle, Beowulf attacks Grendel's mother after she appears
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