How do we determine a hero? Whether it's someone risking their life for the sake of someone else, or someone lending a helping hand, our world is made up of heroes. Throughout the poem Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, the reader is continually reminded of Beowulf's supernatural strength, courage, and how he fights to protect people. As if that wasn't enough, Beowulf never stops showing courage, loyalty, generosity, hospitality, chivalry, and maintains a good reputation due to his good political skills during his reign as king. With such honorable qualities, it does not take much thought to come to the conclusion that Beowulf can be characterized as a hero. Beowulf's admirable traits are shown through three major battles in the poem, where Beowulf faces two demons and a dragon. Beowulf exemplifies Anglo-Saxon culture. When Beowulf is informed that Heorot is terrorized by a demon, he gathers fourteen of his men to sail to the foreign kingdom of the Danes to accept battle. Before the battle takes place, the poet gives a description of Beowulf's appearance. “There was no one else like him alive. In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth, noble and mighty” (Heaney, lines 196-198). This is the author's recognition of Beowulf's incredible strength. Later, when they arrive in Denmark, they step off the ship without fear, attracting the attention of the watchman, who claims that he has never seen men disembark without taking precautions. “Never before had an armed force landed so openly, without bothering to ask whether the sentries had allowed them safe passage or whether the clan had consented. Nor have I seen on this earth a mightier man-at-arms than that which stands here: unless I mistake, he is noble indeed” (Heaney, lines 244-250). This coast guard says it has never seen such courage among armed men who tread on foreign soil without the territory's consent or safety guarantees. The coast guard notes Beowulf's imposing stature and claims they have never seen someone of such strength. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Shortly thereafter, Beowulf demonstrates his loyalty to King Hrothgar by explaining his personal family ties to the king. «In his time, my father was a famous man, a noble warrior lord named Ecgtheow. He survived many long winter nights and continued on his way. All over the world, wise men continue to remember him. We come in good faith to find your lord and shield of the nation, the son of Halfdane. . . We have come here on a great errand for the lord of the Danes, and I therefore believe there should be nothing hid or concealed between us” (Heaney lines 262-272). Only later is the reader able to discover Hrothgar's generosity towards Ecgtheow, where Beowulf is indebted to him. However, Beowulf boasts of his father, showing that he is of good lineage, and comes to the aid of the Danes in the battle between Grendel, and furthers his cause by saying that there should be nothing hidden between the Danes and the Geats. Belatedly, Beowulf and his men are granted access to speak with Hrothgar, where Hrothgar's herald and officer states, “I have never seen so impressive or numerous an assembly of strangers. Firmness of heart, courage, and not exile, must have brought you to Hrothgar” (Heaney, lines 336-339). Hrothgar's herald, Wulfgar, admits that Beowulf is brave. The word he uses to describe Beowulf's heart, sturdy, has two meanings that can both be applied to this given situation. The first defines a person as a little fat or ofstocky build, while the other describes someone's actions or qualities as brave and determined, both of which apply to Beowulf. Even when resisted, Beowulf does not respond with hatred. When Unferth mocks Beowulf and taunts him for losing a fight against Breca, Beowulf defends himself by telling the truth behind the story. As described by Beowulf, “Often for undaunted courage, fate spares the man who has not already marked. Whatever happened, my sword had killed nine sea monsters. I never heard of such nocturnal dangers and severe trials, nor of a more desolate man among the rushing waves. But exhausted as I was, I survived and made it through” (Heaney, lines 572-579). Although Unferth, jealous as he was, lashed out in an attempt to bring Beowulf down, Beowulf responded by telling his side of the story in a mature manner, showing gratitude for his life. Now that Beowulf had boasted about himself, he could not lose the battle with Grendel without his reputation being ruined. Beowulf culture valued strength and courage in battle. “Instead, I will seize and face Grendel, fighting for my life with that fearful foe. Whoever is taken by death, his fate is undoubtedly decreed by the Lord. If I let this creature get the better of me in battle... it will feast freely...' (Heaney, lines 386-93). Beowulf accepts the challenge and makes it known that he is not afraid of losing his life. Not only is he not afraid of losing, but he puts his life in God's hands, claiming that he will ultimately be in God's favor no matter how the battle ends. While it is only the beginning, there have been numerous descriptions and acknowledgments of Beowulf's size and strength, however the reader is able to gain a better understanding of how powerful Beowulf is through his first battle with the demon Grendel. Beowulf is brave and just, fighting Grendel without any armor. “And the Gea placed complete trust in the strength of his limbs and in the favor of the Lord. He began to remove his iron mail, removed his helmet, and handed the ornate sword, a blacksmith's masterpiece, to his attendant, ordering him to keep the equipment safe” (Heaney lines 669-674). Once again, he recognizes that his destiny is in the hands of God, which means that he is aware that God is more powerful than him. When Grendel attacks Heorot, he preys on Beowulf, but soon realizes that he has made a mistake, although Beowulf does not wear any armor or carry any weapons. Engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Grendel tries to escape when he is mortally wounded; his shoulder began to tear until his arm was torn off. “The captain of evil found himself in a grip harder than anything he had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth. Every bone in his body trembled and recoiled, but he couldn't escape. He desperately wanted to escape to his lair and hide with the devil's litter, because in all his days he had never been squeezed or cornered like that. The fingers burst, the monster backed away, the man was overwhelmed” (Heaney, lines 749-760). Looking a little deeper into Grendel's past, it was said that on the first night he attacked Heorot, he killed thirty men and brought them all back to his lair. This implies great supernatural strength, so he continues his raids for twelve years while the people of Heorot live in fear of him. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssayDuring his encounter with Beowulf, it is stated numerous times that he is overpowered by Beowulf, tries to escape, and has never been in combat with a man with Beowulf's strength. “The captain. . ..