The epic Beowulf presents three great battles during which the main character slays three very powerful and evil monsters. Each encounter shows that Beowulf is a worthy hero, because after each he becomes a wiser and braver warrior. Thus, the monsters are significant characters that help him demonstrate his traits, each bringing out the heroic qualities within him. Though his motives and tactics change each time he faces a new opponent, he emerges as a true hero after each fight--including the last one, during which he is slain by the monster he kills.

Beowulf's first enemy is Grendel, who terrorizes the Danes in Hrothgar's kingdom. Although he decides to fight the evil being in order to gain glory, he is also motivated by good will and the desire to help Hrothgar, a fatherly figure who desperately needs his help. Grendel, an outcast in society, is motivated by jealousy...