On the surface, the poem Beowulf appears to be a simple tale of a courageous hero who triumphs over three monsters and who engages in several other battles to preserve what is right and just. A deeper reading, however, reveals that the epic is full of events that symbolize the historical and social conditions that prevailed during the European reign of the Scandinavians from the 7th century until about the 9th century, following the Danish invasion of England ( Sisson 1996 Analysts also point out that the author of Beowulf was a person who had a “strong sense of cultural diversity” (Frank 1982: 52). Although the author was most likely Christian, he also had a deep understanding of the pagan moral code This was illustrated in how Beowulf was able to move through different European societies with ease. This essay examines the heroic code exemplified by Beowulf, as seen in his battles with Grendel, in his fight with Grendel's mother, in the his relationship with Hygelac. In the second part, the essay then examines how Beowulf departs from this heroic code in his final battle against the dragon his own courage and death. This shows that his heroic life choice has implications not only for himself, but also for his kingdom. Heroic Code in Beowulf's BattlesEven before the hero's appearance, the narrator already establishes the strong heroic code that enforces honorable conduct in the Scandinavian kingdoms. This is depicted at the court of Hrothgar, ruler of the Scylding. At the beginning of the poem, the narrator shows how rulers like Hrothgar depended heavily on allegia... middle of paper... Hane's origins and his current status as ruler. However, throughout the epic, Beowulf upholds the required code of conduct both in battle and, more importantly, in his duties to his followers. Seen in this light, the deviations from the heroic code towards the end of his life matter much less, when compared to the way Beowulf lived with courage, compassion, and, above all, honor. Works Cited Donaldson, E. Talbot. 1966. “Parenity to Beowulf.” in Beowulf: Bloom's Notes. Harold Bloom, ed. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers.Frank, Roberta. 1982. "The Poet Beowulf's Sense of History." in Beowulf: critical interpretation. Harold Bloom, ed. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers.Sisson, Mary. 1996. “Thematic and Structural Analysis.” in Beowulf: Bloom's Notes. Harold Bloom, ed. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers.