The Gifts in Beowulf and the Odyssey Literature has always been an extremely useful resource for discerning the cultural values ​​of past and present societies. Through the study of notable fictional and factual historical texts, we are able to distinguish parallel characteristics present in many different cultures and periods. These distinctive characteristics are one of the main elements that help us determine when and how a society, or global culture as a whole, evolves over time. When similarities are identified across many cultures during the same time period, scholars are able to assign general titles to that specific period. The "Heroic Age" is an example of a labeled time period that generally maintains societal identity throughout the period. The epic texts of Beowulf and The Odyssey are examples of culturally revealing novels created in the heroic era. The texts help prove the idea that societies maintain a basic status quo for many years because there is a 1,500-year gap in the creation of the books. Despite this temporal difference in authorship, similar cultural ideals can be recognized in each novel. Greek and Germanic cultures emphasized the power and importance of receiving and giving gifts as a way to display and gain power. Both Beowulf and The Odyssey share the general theme of giving, and comparing the two, it is easy to conclude that giving and receiving are integral parts of the Germanic and Greek cultures of this era. The circulation of treasure is a common element that is important to both Beowulf and the Odyssey plots. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is a revered and admired Greek citizen. Much of its fame is due to ......middle of paper...constant today. In the past, the social purpose of a gift was either to solidify a military alliance or to provide protection against greater powers. Now the social purpose of a gift is to express thanks or, as in ancient times, to consolidate a friendship. However, the transfer of wealth upon a person's death to their relatives, friends, and charities through a legal will is almost identical to the granting of treasure that Beowulf exercises upon his death. Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest men of the modern era, reflects the Anglo-Saxon sentiment of gift-giving in his quote: “The guarded dollar is a stinking fish…the man who dies rich dies thus dishonored.” » It is interesting to note that the ideals employed many years ago are still such an important part of modern society. The ideals that transcend the barriers of history are those that have the most validity and integration within society..