Beowulf: a national epic
The origin of the epic poem Beowulf are no certain. Some sources say that Beowulf is an Anglo-Saxon poem, while others say that it was developed by a single Christian between the eighth and eleventh centuries. The first written version of this saga dates back to the eleventh century.
The actions of the poem take place is Scandinavia, in a warrior society where the relations between the members of the group and the king are based on provision and service. The story begin in Denmark, where Beowulf fight against Grendel, a creature who terrorize Heorot. Then the setting is a mysterious lake protected by dragons, where the hero fights against Grendel's mother: a monster that looks like a woman, whose blood dissolves each blade. The events are concluded in Sweden with the death of a dragon and the death of the hero himself.
During the course of the conflicts and the various movements, the character of Beowulf represent human goodness that fights against evil. The main values represented by the main character are loyalty, generosity and courage. Beowulf risks and loses his life to help a neighbouring king and to defend his people.
Beowulf is more then an epic poem. This thesis is supported by archaeological findings. In Scandinavia was found a four rooms attributable to the sixth century, the period of Beowulf, while in England the discovery of the burial of a ship at Sutton Hoo gives more credibility to the story of the hero.