Beowulf the great Anglo-Saxon epic, which was composed around the year 700, presents readers with a glimpse into the life of Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf, written in poetic form, was translated by Burton Raffel. The tone of the epic is somber and relates the achievements of the hero Beowulf. This epic poem displays many contrast between good and evil. Goodness is represented throughout the poem by the characters of Beowulf, King Hrothgar, Wiglaf, and their actions. Beowulf, portraying many good qualities, is the ultimate example of a hero. His acts of goodness are shown through his efforts to free King Hrothgar¹s hall from the wrath of Grendel, the