Anglo-Saxons had a different idea of what a hero should be. Their hero did not shoot spiderwebs or fly through the air. Instead he was a seemingly invincible person with all theextraordinary traits required of a hero. Beowulf is the ultimate hero of Anglo-Saxon times.
             Beowulf is able to use his super-human physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious beasts but he never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. He does this not by bragging but by just simply stating the facts. He doesn't need to brag because of the awesome feats his is able to overcome. This is why Beowulf is the ultimate hero in Anglo-Saxon times. Also, Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his fellow men through his amazing physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but his last. In his argument with Unferth, Beowulf explains the reason he "lost" a simple swimming match with his youthful opponent Brecca. Not only had Beowulf been swimming for seven nights, he had also stopped to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. Beowulf is also strong enough to kill the monster Grendel, who !
             has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years, with his bare hands by ripping off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge on her son's death, he is able to slay her by slashing the monster's neck with a Giant's sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he chops off her head, he carries it from the ocean with ease, but it takes four men to lift and carry it back to Herot mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism.
             Then another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put his peoples welfare before his own. Beowulf's uncle is king of the Geats so he is sent as an emissary to help rid the Danes of the evil Grend...