How can one even refer to Beowulf as anything less than a hero? In the legendary epic called Beowulf, whose author is still unknown, a heroic character named Beowulf stands up against an evil demon named Grendel who eats and terrorizes innocent people. To label one as a hero, he or she must possess heroic qualities such as courage, conviction, persistence, tolerance, empathy, leadership and most important, fortitude. Beowulf exhibits all of those traits and exploits them to defeat his enemies. In Beowulf, Beowulf portrays the three fundamental traits that define heroism. He is evenhanded, dauntless, as well as an audacious leader. Therefore Beowulf should without a doubt, be acknowledged as a hero.
Fairness is an important part of heroism. Beowulf expresses fairness in many forms throughout the story. His most significant display of fairness is when he evenhandedly defeated Grendel. "With hand-grip only I'll grapple with Grendel; foe against foe I'll fight to the death"(13) Beowulf informed King Hrothgar. Beowulf didn't want to just defeat his enemies, but to defeat them with pride and honor. He wanted his battles to be just and evenhanded. Therefore, if Beowulf's adversary had no weapons, he too fought only with his bare hands. This mannerism is almost entirely responsible for ones followers' loyalty and trust, which no hero can be without.
"Beowulf's prowess was praised in song; and many men stated that south or north, over all the world, or between the seas, or under heaven, no hero was greater"(20). Beowulf's triumph over Grendel was esteemed by all the townspeople. Without his mighty audacity, Beowulf would have been overwhelmed by Grendel's own ferocity and easily defeated. A true hero must have enough courage and conviction to vanquish his enemies.
Leadership is the focal characteristic of heroism. Beowulf won the men of the Geats' trus...