Beowulf is a hero to the people in many different ways. When the people needed him to defeat the monsters, he did. The first monster he fought was Grendel. Later, he fought Grendel's mother. At the end of the story he had to defeat a dragon, which also hurt him.
After Beowulf defeated Grendel he was looked at as one of the strongest men on earth. He is also considered a "mighty protector of men." (line 472). I believe that Beowulf is very brave and is a great leader. The people had been frightened by the monster and he helped protect them. .
After he defeated Grendel, he fought Grendel's mother, who was also known as "the mighty water witch." (line 595). Finally, after a long battle, he defeated this monster.
During the battle he had to use a sword that was hanging from the wall, but he still killed her. So even though he had to use a weapon instead of his bare hands, he still pulled through and defeated her. I believe that shows that there was a point that he was struggling and had to find something but his own hands to use against her.
During his last battle he was an old man. Beowulf, however, was confident that he could do it. Wiglaf, Wextan's son, came to help Beowulf. Wiglaf knew his leader had been devoted to his people, so he wanted to give back to him. By then, Beowulf was getting to the age that he needed some help. He had been so strong for the people but his body was growing to old for fighting. .
I believe Beowulf was a great leader. He tried everything he could do to protect the people. He even protected them when he was an old man. Even in the end when Beowulf was defeated, he tried. I think a hero is someone who tries his or her best to help others. Even when things get ruff, in the end a hero is someone who stuck through it no matter what. In this story, Beowulf was certainly a hero.
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