As Beowulf is essentially a record or heroic deeds, the concept of identity. These two prinicipals
             components are self-reliance and courage. These are clearly central to the poem. Beowulf encounters three difficult
             conflicts with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Grendel is a demon descended from Cain who prays on
             Hrothgar's warriors in the King's mead hall, Herot. Grendel's mother is a unnamed swamp-hag, is very protective
             of her son Grendal. The dragon is a ancient, powerful serpent that guards the horde of the treasure. I understand
             these three encounters as expressions of various aspects of the heroic code. I believe the poet is successful in
             showing the problem of evil and how self-relievce defeated the problem of evil.
             While Beowulf relies only on himself and the grace of God to get him through there battles, the townspeople
             and very thankful that someone has the courage. Grendel begins terrorizing the Danes every night, "killing as often
             as he could, coming alone, bloodthirsty and horrible." (165-166) The Danes live in Hrothgar's kingdom. The Danes
             suffer many years of fear, danger and death at the hands of Grandel. Eventually, a young Geat warrior manned
             Beowulf hear of the Danes problem. Inspired by the challenge, Beowulf sails to Denmark with a small company
             of men, determined to defeat the problem of evil. Horthgar, who had once done a great favor for Beowulf's father
             Ecgtheow, accepts Beowulf's offer to go and fight Grendel and hold a feast in the hero's honor.
             During the feast, Beowulf is taunted by an envious Dane named Unferth, who accuses his reputation of
             being exaggerated. Beowulf responds with a boastful description of some of his past accomplishments. His
             confidence cheers the Danish warriors, and the feast lasts merrily into the night. At last, however, Gre
             ...