The epic and oral poem Beowulf illustrates a loss of community, cultural values, and tradition. Beowulf, the main character, is an ideal king and archetypal warrior. The story is relevant to Beowulf; this Germanic society was invaded by Christian missionaries who sought to convert this culture. The character of Beowulf is a reflection of the virtues of Germanic culture; heroism is emphasized in the text's multiple references and in the constant focus on heroes and what it means to be a hero. Beowulf, reflecting an older generation of heroes, longs for community. In contrast, Christianity focuses on the individual. This conflict ends with the death of Beowulf, a figure from the past and the old world. With Beowulf, the hero dies. Therefore, Beowulf's efforts to keep his culture and ethics alive are impossible as war and Christianity conquer the Germanic land. Beowulf, physically and emotionally, is representative of the ideal Germanic hero. Beowulf is “brave?” » (688), honest and strong. One of the first scenes in the poem describes Beowulf's arrival on the beach of a foreign land. Instead of fearing the great warrior who has arrived and calling for help, the “guardian” (229) is in awe of Beowulf. Before even knowing Beowulf, the guardian believes that this warrior is one of the strongest and noblest men he has ever seen: “Nor have I seen/A mightier man-at-arms on this earth/that he who stands here: unless I am wrong,/is he truly noble? (247-250). Therefore, Beowulf's imposing size and stature convinces others that he is a hero. Like the typical hero, Beowulf boasts. While in Hrothgar's kingdom, Beowulf defends himself against the kin-killer Unferth; Beowulf boasts that he is going to kill Gren...... middle of paper ......on. It is obvious that the singer will no longer have his place in the future because the text ends with a war and the disappearance of his heroes. This end of heroism and orality is suggested by the last singer of the text; at Beowulf's funeral, a woman cries instead of singing, implying that there will never be a happy song about heroes again: "A great woman also sang of sorrow?" (3150). The epic poem Beowulf focuses on the hero. From the character of Beowulf, the reader can see the importance of community, orality, and heroism. Beowulf is therefore an icon of his ancient Germanic heritage. He imitates the world around him. Moreover, it reflects the tradition of heroes of the past; he follows in the footsteps of Shield and Sigemund, mirroring their characteristics and actions. So when Beowulf dies, the old world and the new world collapse..