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 a few of the
             important character elements in Beowulf are 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 it 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 Canto 1 the story teller 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." Through this display of compassion for the commoner who doesn't fight in
             battles, Hrothgar proves the full extent of his honor and therefore the extent of his wealth and status. Beowulf, the
             hero-prince, also proves his true wealth and status through his deeds as defender of the Danes. As he fights and
             defeats Grendel, Beowulf Earns Fame and wealth from his companions, and from the Danes, but more importantly,
             he earns honor raising him to the level of an archetypal hero. Grendel, on the other hand, is the total opposite of
             Beowulf. He has no wealth, n...