The Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf is the most important work of Old English literature. The epic tells the story of a hero, a prince named Beowulf, who helps rid the Danes of the monster Grendel and tells of his heroic acts fighting Grendel's mother and a Dragon. Throughout the epic, the Anglo-Saxon story teller uses many elements to build depth to the characters. Just a few of the important character elements in Beowulf are Wealth & Honor, Biblical, and Man vs. Wild themes.
Many of the characters in Beowulf are
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, were
measured not only in how rich they were, 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. 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 archetype hero. Grendel, on the other hand, is the total opposite of Beowulf. He has no wealth, no honor, and he is known as an evil killer. This lack of wealth and honor defines Grendel as a symbol of evil and corruption.
Grendel- " was spawned in that slime,
Conceived by a pair of those monsters born
Of Cain, murderous creatures banished
...