The story of Beowulf is one of courage, nobility, and heroism. Beowulf possesses each of these attributes both as a young prince and an elder king. These qualities allow him to become the honored king that he was, yet they also lead to his death. The story describes Beowulf as the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. He is an 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. .

             He was therefore showered with gifts of gold and riches for his tremendous achievements for killing the monsters, and therefore saving Hrothgar"s men . The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die , which is one of the qualities of a true Anglo-Saxon . .

             Clearly every young prince inspires to earn enough respect to become king in their latter years. Beowulf first earns this respect when he sails to Herot to kill Grendel, the monster that has been attacking and brutually murdering the soldiers of the village . Upon arrival in Herot, Beowulf brags of his past accomplishments, in order to earn some respect from Hrothgar and his men.While this beast has killed many of Hrothgar"s men, Beowulf vows to destroy him with his bare hands. So he carefully arranges a plan to do so and Grendel falls in this trap and Beowolf kills him . But even after doing as he promised, Beowulf has still not finished his duties. The following day, he is faced with another challenge; killing Grendel"s angry mother. When Beowulf is asked to perform this task, he accepts without hesitation, as he sees it as another chance to gain fame .Once again, Beowulf returns successful in his battle with the mother monster, bringing along with him the chopped head of Grendel's mother and thus increasing his popularity within his people.