Beowulf Timeless Values

Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffel, shows us the timeless values of an epic story. An epic story is a story that uses many supernatural and unrealistic events. Most epic stories date back to the Anglo-Saxon culture, a culture where the faith was turning from a Pagan to Christian Faith, and a culture to where reading epic stories was for entertainment. The story of Beowulf has multiple monsters fighting against the super hero Beowulf, with traits and values of the typical epic story. Beowulf is classified as an epic because the hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of society, the plot involves supernatural beings or events and may involve a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands, and the poem reflects timeless values such as courage and honor. …show more content…
The religious beliefs of the people during the Anglo-Saxon time was turning from Paganism to Christianity. There are a lot of references to both religious beliefs. One proof is a reference saying that the monster, Grendel was “born of Cain” (20-21). The story of Cain and Abel is found within the Bible, therefore, that is a Christian reference. Another Christian reference found in the story of Beowulf is when Beowulf states that he shall defeat the monster Grendel. This reference also depicts the ideal of society which is courage, “Together I’ve come. Grant me, then/ Lord and protector of this noble place/ A single request! I have come so far/ O shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend/ That is one for you should not refuse me” (255-259). Beowulf is showing how courageous and loyal he is for his