Within the tale of "Beowulf" four character traits can be found which define the Anglo Saxon Hero. The first is loyalty, as demonstrated by the relationship between Lord and thane. According to page 23 of the "Beowulf" introduction, "a relationship based less on subordination of one man's will to another than on mutual trust and respect." The second and third characteristics are strength and courage. The importance of these specific traits to the Anglo-Saxon people is clearly presented during the reciting of Sigemund's tale within Heorot. As the song states, "He was adventurer most famous, far and wide through the nations, for deed of courage - he had prospered from that before, the protector of warriors - after the war-making of Heremod had come to an end, his strength and his courage" (38). The final piece which comprises the Anglo-Saxon hero is the notion of fame. The only after life a warrior could ever aspire to have was immortality through fame. One again this is explained by the introduction to the story, "Beowulf's chief reward is pagan immortality the memory in the minds of later generations of a hero's heroic actions" (24-25).

fines a hero it is a simple matter to comprehend why Beowulf is considered by some to be the greatest of all. He posses unfaltering loyalty to his king and allies, and save for his final battle his thanes show the same devotion to him. His strength is unparalleled, as he is able to defeat each of his opponents and perform feats of unmatched endurance. Beowulf's courage, though motivated primarily by his own notion of fate, is, none the less, unwavering. And as a hero he achieved his desire for immortality through the poem itself.

Before engaging in the battle Beoqulf remains confident of victory by recounting his past exploits (again certifying a position of fame). Although he is armed for the battle he wishes that he could "grapple with the monster, as [he] did of old with Grendel" (59). Beowulf remains as just courageous and as ravenous for fame in his elder years as he does in his youth.

During the battle Beowulf's men remain loyal to their leader and stay by the side of the lake even after the Sycldings left the hill. They wait for hours even though they believe their lord to be dead. And when Beowulf does finally resurface he has not only killed Grendel's mother, but has come back with Grendel's head, as well.

This passage also shows Beowulf's unconquerable courage. It is important to note, however, that this courage does not come from A strong mind, but rather from an unquestioning belief in fate, which in turn, is completely at God's command. His courage, therefor, comes entirely from his belief that he has done good in the eyes of the lord.

Armed only with his strong belief in the goodness of the Lord Beowulf attacks the evil Grendel ("enemy of god" according to page 37) and displays his awesome strength. When Beowulf first grasps the arm of his opponent he is described as "he who of men was strongest of might in the days of his life" (37). He then proceeds to rip Grendel's arm from his body while "more

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Approximate Word count = 1313
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)