In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength and celebrated for his bold exploits, is thought of as a hero. Beowulf and Achilles are both renowned epic heroes who encompass all those traits. Although they share the qualities of great heroes, there are some discrepancies in the characteristics they possess and the way the hold themselves in all aspects of life.
             Beowulf, the principle character and hero of the epic poem, Beowulf, is an exceptionally honorable and noble man. A natural born hero, Beowulf realizes the dangers of his work but fears nothing for his own life. He encounters hideous monsters and the most ferocious beasts, but he never fears the threat of death. He accomplishes all tasks needing to be accomplished and does so with much dignity and grace. When Beowulf heroically sails to the aid of the Dane's, the watchman is taken aback, "Never before has a force under arms disembarked so openly...Nor have I seen a mightier man-at-arms on this earth than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble" (244-250). Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly to help the Danes destroy the horrible beast, Grendel.
             Beowulf also uses his super-human physical strength and courage to put his peoples welfare before his own. He has fought many battles and returned victorious from all but his last. Not only can Beowulf battle with the biggest of monsters, but also he can swim for as much as seven nights, and also stop to kill nine sea creatures in the depths of the ocean. With his bare hands, Beowulf is strong enough to kill Grendel, who has been terrorizing the Danes for twelve years. Even with the enormous amount of confidence Beowulf possesses, he understands that fate will work its magic. He faces reality by showing no fear and preparing for a positive or a fatal outcome.
             Achilles, featured in the Iliad, is ano
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