nd even Christianity play a major role
             in this epic poem. In each of the stories told throughout the poem elements of these
             All three of Beowulf's battles demonstrate qualities deemed virtuous and
             essential to the people of the middle ages. Beowulf, a godfearing, heroic warrior, first
             faces a monster that represents all things evil. The monster is a descendant of Cain, a
             bloodthirsty avenger of man and an outcast. Beowulf confronts this evil figure without
             any fear and without the aid of any manmade weapons of war. The strength of the
             wickedness is outmatched by the goodness and purity Beowulf. Only because Beowulf
             displayed no fear and used no weapon was he able to destroy this wicked force of
             destruction. The hero, Beowulf, is glorified more for his virtue than for his strength in
             defeating the monster. For those who displayed no virtue, despite their valor, the
             consequence was quite different. Ecgtheow's son, who displayed no bravery, for
             example, "had been despised for a long while, for the Geats saw no spark of bravery in
             him" (75). The true hero of the middle ages
             ...