Beowulf: A hero

             A prominent heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his people's welfare before his own. This is because of his strong belief in fate. If he dies in battle, it is because it is his destiny to do so. He realizes the dangers but fears nothing for his own life. This is what makes Beowulf a true hero. 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 that 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. The most heroic of traits within Beowulf is that he is not afraid to die. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests to have any assets delivered to his people. "If battle takes my life and send to Hygelac, Hrothgar my lord, those marvelous treasures that you made my own."(LL. 1481-1483 pp 48) He is aware of the heroic paradox; he will be glorified in life or death for his actions. He knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel's mother he will achieve immortality as the victor or the loser. 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 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, by ripping off his arm with his bare hands. He understands that fate will work its magic no matter what, and he could be killed at any point in his life. He faces that reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome, always.