The old English poem Beowolf, derives from the Anglo-Saxon period. During this time individuals did not write down stories. Instead they passed it down orally to generation after generation. They did this in order to teach the lessons of their past ancestors and to reflect on the pasts heroic codes, the same way we do with folktales. Beowulf displays a hero with respectable values, which was a huge part of the Anglo-Saxon culture. It teaches us the way individuals were brought up in the past. The story gives a sense of hope and heroism, by portraying Beowulf as a ruthless fighter. The story contains many allusions in reference to the Bible and to past tribes during that era. Since, Beowulf is one of the oldest poems still known to man, it is