Heroes and Warriors in Beowulf

            Throughout history, there have been my different types of heroes and warriors around the world. Unlike super heroes, anglo saxon heroes followed a list of virtues which represented the refined wisdom and ancient Germanic moral code gleaned from various ancient sources. To live as one of the True folk, they had to lead their life in accordance with the Nine Noble Virtues. In Anglo-Saxon culture, to be a hero was to be a warrior. A hero had to be self-reliant, courageous and honorable. Warriors had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people. The Anglo-Saxon hero was able to be all of these and still be humble and kind.
             The most important quality that a hero should have is courage. It is most important because heros can't save the world with self- esteem and being a scared at the same time. In the book Beowulf, the hero, Beowulf shows a lack of courage he has under any problem or circumstances. Grendel, Beowulfs opponent has been killing Hrothgar's people and terrorizing the King.Beowulf is told by the Geats of the tale of Grendel and that he is a strong monster. Beowulf is a larger than life man who has it in his destiny to fight the unexpected foes. In order to be the epic hero that he is, he must go i quest of formidable foes. "I abjure utterly the bearing of sword or shielding yellow board in the battle! with bare hands shall i grappled with the fiend, fight to the death here" (pg. 18). Beowulf is a warrior of epic proportions and he must reprove himself each time. He is always up for a challenge. He is aware that Grendel is no ordinary beast and that he is worthy of a fair opponent. He is also aware that he exists as some magical creature who has powers beyond man's strength. When he goes to fight him he wants to be at his own best advantage. He feels that a fair fight with no weapons would be the best way. Theres a difference between saying that you'll do something and actually doing it.