. Yet just when everyone is happy and Beowulf is celebrating in fame another monster attacks in revenge of her son's death and yet an again Beowulf's strength is questioned. Beowulf also shows skill and courage when he defeats The mother of Grendel. After the killing of many Thanes in the Mead Hall Beowulf is able to kill her with the use of the Hrunting. He defeats her with a thrust at the throat, which broke through the bone rings of her. Once again Grendel exemplifies the characteristics of an epic hero (Baldwin). Beowulf also shows skill and courage in the killing of the Dragon. In the slaying of the Dragon, Beowulf was willing to sacrifice his life so that the gruesome Dragon would be killed. Due to Beowulf's extraordinary skill and courage Beowulf shows royal responsibility.
             Beowulf shows another characteristic of a hero by carrying out his royal responsibilities. When the kingdom is given to him to govern Beowulf realizes that it is his duty to govern and protect his people, for it is his royal responsibility. Even though he has aged when the dragon comes about, he has to protect his people for it is now a duty that he must subject to. In the following passage from Beowulf, Beowulf explains why he must carry out his royal responsibility " I remember it all... for all such gifts that Hygelac gave me I repaid him in battle with shining sword, as chance was given. He granted me land, A gracious dwelling, and goodly estate. I was always before him alone in Gawain. While the sword holds out that has served me well. With hand and hard blade, I must fight for the treasure" (Norton) Although Beowulf is fragile and old when the Dragon comes about Beowulf realizes that he has repay his people by killing the Dragon. Beowulf feels that he was given so much from his people and the killing of the dragon
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