Heroes usually have an abundance of strength, and act as great warriors. They risk their lives for a cause. For example, a general of an army is a strong warrior and a hero, because he does anything for his men. The firefighters on September 11th acted like heroes. They climbed the stairs of the tower though they knew they probably wouldn't come down, because they understood that their job required them to help people. Heroes, like the ones just mentioned, do not always benefit from what they do.

Heroes usually have ethics and honesty, with a high moral conviction. They tend to obey a higher law. For example, William Wallace, the man who died helping the Scottish fight the British, had a strong faith in G-d and admirable ethics. Believing in G-d helps a hero, because he realizes his weaknesses, so he might as well help society. The hero says to himself "G-d put me on this planet to live His way, and I am nothing compared to Him, so I should help other people."

Heroes often do not quite fit into norma

A true hero must be willing to give up his or her life for a cause. Both Beowulf and the Knight do this. Beowulf decide to fight Grendel, even if he will die. When his land becomes ravaged by a dragon, though he foresees his death, he fights. He lived helping people, and died helping people. The Knight would probably give up his life for his country. He happens to survive because he is a great warrior, but he would, if necessary, give up his life. Why else would he have gone into battle so often? Chaucer writes, "No Christian man so often, of his rank"(55). Both the Knight and Beowulf act as selfless people.

Often when a great peril threatens society, the hero takes a vital role. It may involve a trial from which the hero must emerge on a higher level. For example, Harry Potter often faces a problem, which, while trying to solve, makes him into a better person.

The Knight and Beowulf display many characteristics of great heroes. Helping their societies, fighting battles, they fit the description of a hero almost perfectly. Yet, they differ from one another. One displays the traits of arrogance, and the other represents humbleness. One personifies honesty and ethics, and the other doesn't. Not all heroes share exactly the same traits, as we see from the stories about Beowulf and the Knight.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Beowulf Knight, Knight Beowulf, Believing G-d, Beowulf Heroes, Harry Potter, , William Wallace, beowulf knight, knight beowulf, help people heroes, ethics honesty, society hero, heroes usually, died helping, helping people, help people, chaucer writes, strength beowulf,
Approximate Word count = 925
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)