n stories, the dragon is a much-used enemy of the hero of the story. The dragon in Beowulf spits fire with such intense heat that it melts Beowulf's shield to his body.
             The author has exalted the fights with fabled monsters into a conflict between the powers of good and evil. These battles are examples of epic folklore during pagan times.
             Also, in the poem Beowulf partakes in many non-Christian deeds. He drinks a lot and has a tendency to kill people and creatures. Beowulf also cares more about being remembered and getting treasure than doing the deed for the charity of it. The fact that he wished to be cremated also suggests that he is a pagan.
             While many pagan influences appear in the poem, Christian overtones dominate. Many of the characters exhibit Christian characteristics. Beowulf has a Christ-like behavior in his good-heartedness and charity. Beowulf understands the plight of the Danes, that they are being oppressed by the evil monster Grendel, just, as Christ knew of the oppression of the Jewish people. Both set out on a venture to save their people. To free them from the monster, the Danes need a savior, and Beowulf, through his desire to disperse their suffering, comes to save them.
             When Beowulf fights Grendel, he exhibits a sense of fairness when he refuses to use a weapon.
             in his recklessness uses no weapons.
             I, therefore, to amuse Hygelac my lord,
             ...