Hero: In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. The principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation. Beowulf is a hero of the ages. He 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. He has the power of twenty men in his arm alone and his leadership skills are superb. .

             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. Not only can Beowulf battle with the biggest of monsters, but he can also swim for as much as seven nights, and also stop to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is even 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.

             Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. This is because of his strong belief in fate. If he dies in battle it"s because it is his destiny to do so. "Fate will unwind as it must! (189)" He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. This is what I believe makes Beowulf a true hero. This is where all the super-men, batmen and other such characters come from. Even after serving his people as King of the Geats for fifty years, he goes to battle in hopes (or fate) to destroy a horrible dragon who is frightening all of his people. At this point however, Beowulf is old and tired but still manages to defeat the dragon in order to protect his people.