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The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the

Anglo-Saxon times. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person

with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to use his

super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before

himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious of

beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are

superb and he is even able to boast about all his

achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life

countless times for immortal glory and for the good of others.





   

        Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his

amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned

victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf

explains the reason he "lost" a simple swimming match with his youthful

opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven

nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the

ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who

has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by

ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is

seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay

her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can   only be

lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he

carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry

it back to Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's

heroism.





   

        Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples

welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent

as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his

own life for the Danes, asking help from no one. He realizes

the...