What role does violence play in the story?

Wolverine- Well, I'd say it's pretty obviouse the role violence plays in Wolverines' life. Just like Beowulf, Wolverine exists to fight evil in the name of justice. Though, sometimes it's also for revenge. Wolverines' entire origin story is based around violence, as is most of his adventure to recover his real memories. His allies quickly becoming foes, and vice versa, only kicks everything up to another level of violence. It doesn't help things that Wolverine is something of an animal by nature and is quick to violence to settle an issue, should one arise.

Beowulf- Violence only plays in the major highlights of Beowulfs entire life story. His fight with Grendel didn't even involve that much violence, save the part where he tore Grendels arm off. But it wasn't a long, drawn out battle with swords and blood and bruises and such. The battle with Grendels' Mother is a little better, as there's actually a struggle between him and his enemy, before he cuts off her head. The best example of violence in Beowulfs' life, though, is his battle with the dragon. It shows the biggest struggle between him and his enemy, because he actually begins to lose. There's fire, burns, slashing, bleeding, panic, and eventual death. But Beowulf did get fifty years of ruling his people in peace. Wolverine never got that luxury. He was always on the run, when Beowulf wasn't.