Symbols

Monsters

-symbols of evil
-descendent of Cain
-unnatural product of human sin

wasteland

-symbolic home of evil
-wasted because it is uninhabitable
-constant threat to civilization

3

godly number

11

treachery and betrayal; the "devil's dozen

12

ancient number of completeness

13

the end of an era

the color gray

-symbolizes decay
-Beowulf meets dragon under the graystone
-Hrothgar is gray-headed

civilization and power

-hall symbolizes civilization
-Heorot symbolizes Hrothgar's power

treasure

2-fold symbol of accomplishment and generosity

the sea

symbolizes danger, risk, and the vastness of the world

fire

is seen as both good and evil