In the Anglo-Saxon poem called Beowulf, the concept of outsiders is not only established through its monstrous antagonists, but also through humanoid supporting characters. Conversely, the protagonist, Beowulf, and his depiction of divine perfection allows the reader to interpret Beowulf himself as the central outcast, existing in an imperfect world. Beowulf becomes an outsider while contrasting with other characters generally seen as outcasts such as Unferth or the monster Grendel and his anonymous mother. Beowulf was written between the 8th and 10th centuries in England, but is set approximately in the 6th century in Scandinavia ("Beowulf", Gale). Due to his origins, pagan mentions of Beowulf are often surrounded by Christian substitutes; Yet Beowulf's pagan ideals are still transferred into the main character's character. The protagonist, Beowulf, is an obvious symbol of honor and his boasts of heroism contribute to his symbolic isolation from his other human counterparts. Unferth, for example, who is first mentioned around line 500, disputes the validity of Beowulf's boasts; which caused Beowulf to further boast about his accomplishments and then compare them to Unferth's infamous past ("Beowulf", Norton). Beowulf's response gives the reader a reason to resent Unferth and separate Beowulf from the common men of Heorot once again. Ironically, Unferth's position on Beowulf changes as he offers his own sword to Beowulf to support his solo attack on Grendel's mother ("Beowulf" 1455-1472). This change shows a contrast between the characters since Unferth will not risk probable death to protect his fellow men, while the macho Beowulf throws himself into danger, in search of honor and glory. Fifty years later, Beowulf evolves...... middle of paper...... killing Grendel's family and a dragon. Needed by the Geats and the Danes, Beowulf is at the heart of the poem, but it is impossible for him not to be an outsider when he is superior to each character in every aspect. “Beowulf.” Beowulf: a new verse translation. Seamus Heaney, trans. New York: WW Norton & Company Ltd. 2001. 2-213. Print."Beowulf." U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology. Flight. 1. Detroit: UXL, 2009. 177-182. Gale's global history in context. Internet. September 27, 2011. Heaney, Seamus. “Beowulf: The Poem” Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. New York: WW Norton & Company Ltd. 2001. ix-xxx. Print.Tolkien, JRR “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”. Beowulf: monsters and reviews / by JRR Tolkien. Humphrey Milford, editor. John Johnson, printer. London: Humphrey Milford. 1936. Print.