has run the gamut with universal themes. Devotion vs. retaliation, good king vs. bad king, faith vs. doubt and knowledge vs. ignorance are some recognizable universal themes often featured in literature. Probably the most familiar theme of all, however, is the universal theme of good vs. evil. A favorite with authors, prophets and storytellers, good vs evil plays an important role within the confines of the chapters and lines. Its use in Beowulf is no exception. Commonly considered one of the most
The epic poem Beowulf is filled with metaphoric possibilities when it comes to the relationship between “truly noble” (250) Beowulf and the “God-cursed brute” (121), Grendel. Written by an unknown Christian poet in the 8th century, it is no surprise that Beowulf explores the tension between good and evil in the first conflict presented to Beowulf, “the mightiest man on earth” (197). The hero cleanses Heorot, the heart of civilization, from the evil Grendel inflicts. Thus Beowulf is a type of Christ
background in the 1930’s included a series of lectures about Beowulf, and he became very well known for them. According to Colin Duriez (author of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend), undergraduate and postgraduate students were entertained and influenced by Tolkien’s reading of Beowulf. According to a letter sent to Tolkien in his later years, “the voice was the voice of Gandolf” (Duriez 135). Tolkien was able to communicate Beowulf in a way that made a profound impact on students. The