A hero is person who shows courage, possesses strength, and is willing to sacrifice his life for any cause. In Burton Raffel's translation of the epic poem, Beowulf, the main character shows his heroic qualities as he matures from a valiant warrior to a wise leader. Beowulf, the main character, illustrates these qualities in his battles with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon. Beowulf is a hero because he shows courage, possesses god-like strength, and died for his people. One way Beowulf shows that he is hero is through his courageous acts. Before going into battle with Grendel Beowulf says, "Grendel is no braver / no stronger than I am! / I could kill him with my sword / I shall not, easy as it would be. / I will meet him with my hands empty"" (677-84). He again showed his courage as he plunged into the lake where Grendel's mother dwelled. He says, "I shall shape glory with Hrunthing / or death will hurry me from this earth! " / "As his words ended / he leaped into the lake / would not wait for anyone's answer"" (1490-94). Beowulf later talks to Hrothgar about his courageous efforts fighting Grendel's mother saying, "Hrothgar! / Behold Healfdane's son / this glorious sign of victory / brought you joyful Geats. / My life it was almost lost / fighting for it / struggling under water"" (1651-56). Despite knowing that each second could be his last Beowulf never gave up. Without his courage, Beowulf would not have been able to succeed in the two battles.
Another way Beowulf depicts that he is a hero is through the unbelievable strength he possesses. When he came to rid the Danes of that monstrous creature, Grendel, he chose to fight him with his strength rather than his weapon. "But Higlac's follower remembered his final boast / and, standing erect, stopped the monster's flight / his claws had been caught / he was trapped"" (758-64). They fought for a few minutes, but Grendel was no match for Beowulf's strength.
