The tale of Beowulf is an epic poem, which originated from England. An epic is defined as a long narrative poem that recounts, in formal language, the exploits of a larger-than-life hero. The first epics were past down orally from generation to generation. This is because epics date back to a time when people were not educated enough to read. The epic always displays the hero to be good, while all other threats are considered outside forces or evil. Other characteristics of an epic include supernatural events, long time periods, distant journeys, and life and death struggles between good and evil. Beowulf was actually not set in England, but in Scandinavia. The Anglo-Saxons invaded this area, and that is how it came about. Four characteristics Beowulf held was his loyalty, superhuman strength and courage, his glory, and his ability to always be on a quest or journey.

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