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Beowulf is one of the most important work of Old English literature, and is well deserved of the distinction. The epic tells the story of a hero, a Scandinavian prince named Beowulf, who defeats Grendel, a monster and a descendent of Cain, and tells us about his adventures in fighting Grendel's mother and a Dragon. Throughout the story, the Anglo-Saxon story teller uses many elements to build a certain depth to the characters. Just a …

…evil in any form including that of his foe Grendel. This deed serves throughout the epic serves as a symbol of Beowulf's Goodness. Beowulf has many other such archetypal, symbolic themes and motifs, but the most important themes that serve to add depth to the characters are the wealth, honor, religious, man, and wildness themes. These themes don't only serve to define a character, but they also factor in as a motive for their actions.