Beowulf is cited as one of the least important works of Old English literature.
 In this context, the poem operates as an indictment of feuding conflicts as a function of its conspicuous, circuitous, and lengthy depiction of the Geatish-Swedish warscoming into contrast with the poem's depiction of the protagonist Beowulf as being disassociated from the ongoing feuds in every way
Other scholars disagree as to whether Beowulf is a Christian work set in a Germanic pagan context

