The character of a Geatish warrior named Beowulf, in the epic, Beowulf, sails to Denmark in hopes of protecting the Danes from great turmoil. Upon doing so Beowulf can be viewed as a good candidate for kingship, but it is not the battles themselves, rather the traits Beowulf possesses that lead people to believe he would eventually be a renowned King. Although Beowulf does not become a king for fifty years, his days as a young warrior shed light on the characteristics he obtains that allow him to be fit for an assent to the throne. By embodying the values of the Germanic heroic code, courtesy, pride and loyalty along with courage, it is easy to believe that Beowulf would be a great King. .
Beowulf exemplifies many characteristics of a good king, one of them being courtesy. Beowulf first shows courtesy to the king Hrothgar when he gives him his "hero's resume". Beowulf exclaims "They had seen me bolstered in the blood of enemies/ when I battled and bound five beasts, raided a troll-nest and in the night-sea/ slaughtered sea –brutes. I have suffered extremes and avenged the GeatsNow I mean to be a match for Grendel, settle the outcome in single combat." (50. 419-426) In saying this, Beowulf is letting Hrothgar know o f his qualifications that allow him to take on Grendel, a vicious monster. Beowulf does not just assume Hrothgar's acceptance of Beowulf's services to the Danes. It can also be noted that Beowulf does not insult Hrothgar for failing to defeat Grendel himself, and in failing to do so, he shows courtesy to the king of the Danes. Before the battle against Grendel, Beowulf notes that he will be fighting with his bare hands just as Grendel does. During the battle, it is stated that Beowulf "began to remove his iron breast-mail, took off the helmet and handed his attendant the patterned sword." (55. 671) By removing his armor Beowulf not only shows bravery but more importantly, he shows courtesy to Grendel.