The Anglo-Saxon verse Beowulf has been aptly given the title of a Heroic Poem; but what does that mean? A heroic verse is aimed at keeping the hero "alive" in future generations. A hero does not only dictate a heroic verse but of the deeds, he accomplishes to help others or those who will benefit from his deeds in the future. Another characteristic of a heroic verse is that it is aimed to give the readers of the verse a sense of pride and association with those great men of the past. Beowulf, the hero, exemplifies certain traits that characterize a hero. First, Beowulf is courageous in the battles he fights and demonstrates great strength. As well, he is a selfless and fearless leader. Three things that define Beowulf as the hero that he is: courage, strength, and leadership.
             A heroic verse is attended to keep the idea of a hero and the deeds he has accomplished alive throughout generations. Often the deeds these heroes have accomplished have affected generations after the hero's death. If Beowulf had not slain Grendel and his mother, then the Danes for years or generations to come may still have been living under his threat. The aim of this heroic verse is to keep generations informed that Beowulf was the one who fought for the Danes and even the Geats and gave them their freedom. "Thus made their mourning the men of Geatland, for their hero's passing his hearth-companions: quoth that of all the kings of the earth, of men he was mildest and most beloved, to his kin the kindest, keenest for praise."(Pg.27). After Beowulf dies his people recount stories of him saying he was generous and kind to his people and how beloved he was. The people want to keep the story of this great alive, thus came the heroic verse. By writing down these adventures, they don't get butchered like most stories that have been past down from family to family. This keeps the story as one in all it's wholeness so that he will always be seen as the hero he is, en...