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 storyteller uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. As I read Beowulf, I found it full of important character elements such as Wealth & Honor, Biblical & Paganistic, and Man vs. Wild themes.
             Many of the characters in Beowulf are, like in most epics, defined by their status. But, in addition to status, the Anglo-Saxon culture also adds an element of honor. To the Anglo-Saxons, a character's importance, as well as their wealth and status, where measured not only in monetary terms, but was also measured in terms of honor, fame, and accomplishments. Hrothgar, king of the Danes, is one example of the Anglo-Saxon measurement of importance in Beowulf. In Stanza 1, the storyteller describes his wealth and importance, not as mounds of gold or jewels, but instead as his ability to "[lead] the Danes to such glory." and as his tendency to "In battle, [leave] the common pasture untouched, and taking no lives." I think this is truly heroic how Hrothgar shows compassion for the commoner who does not fight in battles, but he proves the full extent of his honor and therefore the extent of his wealth and status. I believe Beowulf, the hero-prince, also proves his true wealth and status through his deeds, as defender of the Danes. Beowulf to me is a great hero, because when God gives him the strength to defend the Danes, he praises God instead of himself like most other heroes. And when he fights and defeats Grendel, Beowulf earns fame and wealth from his companions, and from the Danes, but more importantly, he earns honor raisin...