Beowulf is the ideal Anglo-Saxon of the time, showing courage, loyalty, and strength. In the first few chapters of the translation of Beowulf, when he is going to Herot to fight the Grendel, Beowulf is described as "...the strongest of the Geats-greater and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world," His worthy reputation precedes him to Hrothgar's mead-hall. At the hall Beowulf tells of how he and Grendel have been called together to fight. Even with all of the terrifying stories told of the Grendel, Beowulf

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Beowulf also exhibits superhuman strength and abilities, challenging a childhood friend (Breca) to a swimming duel in the open sea. Beowulf didn't defeat his companion because he refused to leave him alone within the dangers of the sea, "Breca could not swim far from me because I was faster in the water; and I had no intention of leaving him."(P. 39) The two later got separated from each other during a storm at sea. Beowulf was left alone to fight off the bloodthirsty sea monsters for seven long nights, while Breca washed up on land. In the actual battle against Grendel Beowulf defeats the beast by literally tearing off his arm: this being a monster in which swords and spears could not harm. He also, despite being injured, manages to decapitate the monster with on mighty thrust of the swor

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Approximate Word count = 587
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)