Beowulf is the prototypical hero for a society that values above all else a strong person in character and body. His external image is of a muscular soldier, with the strength of no other person. He swears to kill Grendel, the monster who has killed many of Hrothgar's men, with his bare hands. It would bring shame on him if, as he says, "I let my sword go where my feet were afraid to." (line 170) He not only must be strong in body bu

t he must be willing to use this strength to prove to his king and to others that he is the man he claims to be.

Beowulf fits the role of a Anglo-Saxon hero as with his many bold characteristics and also his glaring flaws. He is the perfect specimen of a superior and strong man. In the end thought his boastful, courageous life would get him killed. He died, "A beaten warrior. None of his comrades came to him." (line 746) He had his flaws and eventually it killed him.

Physical strength and honor are not the only things that make a hero in the eyes of the Anglo-Saxons. Beowulf was also an example of a man with the strength of mind and character to fight make others believe what was said about him. He did not stand disrespect from others, but at the same time did not feel the need to start a fight over it. Instead he took a calm and superior approach, as with everything a hero faces. When criticized by Unferth, Beowulf replies using his intellect and states, "Neither he nor you can match

Some common words found in the essay are:
Unferth Beowulf, , Anglo-Saxons Beowulf, beowulf hero, beowulf fits, anglo-saxon hero, bare hands,
Approximate Word count = 672
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)