The epic poem Beowulf describes one of the most heroic men to the Anglo-Saxons, the hero Beowulf. The Anglo-Saxons admired many of the different traits that Beowulf demonstrates throughout the story. The Anglo-Saxons view Beowulf as a hero because of his super strength, compassion, and willingness to die for his cause. .
Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of the Anglo-Saxons because of his amazing almost super-human physical strength. He fought in many battles and returned victorious from all but his last. Beowulf's strength is put on display, as he is able to kill Grendel with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. The author describes by saying, "hell's captive caught in the arms Of him who of all the men on earth Was the strongest." (363-365). Later when Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on Beowulf for the death of her son, he is able to slay the horrible beast by slicing off her head with the giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person that possesses an eminence amount of strength. After chopping off the she-beasts head he travels deeper into the lair in search of Grendel's lifeless body. After he finds the body Beowulf removes Grendel's head and carries it to the top of the water with him, but it takes four men to lift and carry the beast's head back to mead-hall. This incredible strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism.
Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put the needs others in front of his own physical well-being. Once Beowulf learns of the happenings in Denmark he wastes no time preparing and army and beginning his journey. Beowulf risks his own life for the Danes, asking for nothing in return. The author shows Beowulf's compassion toward Hrothgar and his men, .
if we've heard The truth, and been told honestly that your country Is cursed with some strange, vicious creature / It's said that has slaughtered Your people, brought terror to the darkness.
