The Heroic Man of Beowulf The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon era. The hero, Beowulf, is a seemingly invincible person with all the extraordinary traits required of a hero. He is able to use his superhuman physical strength and courage to put his people before himself. He encounters horrible monsters and the most ferocious beasts but never fears the threat of death. His leadership skills are superb and he is even able to boast about all his achievements. Beowulf is the ultimate epic hero who risks his life countless times for immortal glory and the good of others. Beowulf is a hero in the eyes of his peers thanks to his extraordinary physical strength. He fought in numerous battles and returned victorious from all but the last. In his discussion with Unferth, Beowulf explains why he "lost" a simple swimming match with his young opponent Brecca. Beowulf had not only swum for seven nights, but 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, tearing off his arm. When Beowulf is fighting Grendel's mother, who is seeking revenge for her son's death, he is able to kill her by slashing the monster's neck with a giant sword that can only be lifted by a person as strong as Beowulf. When he cuts off her head, he easily carries it from the ocean, but it takes four men to lift it and carry it back to Herot Mead-hall. This strength is a key trait of Beowulf's heroism. Another heroic trait of Beowulf is his ability to put the well-being of his people before his own. Beowulf's uncle is the king of the Geats, so he is sent as an emissary to help free the Danes from the evil Grendel. Beowulf risks his life for the Danes, without asking anyone for help. He realizes the dangers but has no fear for his life. After serving his people as king of the Geats for fifty years, Beowulf goes into battle one last time to fight a horrible dragon that is scaring all his people. Beowulf is old and tired but defeats the dragon to protect his people. Even in death he desired such sure safety for the Geats that a tall lighthouse was built to help people find themselves there from the sea. Beowulf's most heroic trait is that he is not afraid of dying. He always explains his death wishes before going into battle and requests that all possessions be handed over to his people. "And if death take me, send the hammered mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance I had from Hrehtel and Wayland. Fate will unfold as it must! (18)" He is aware of the heroic paradox; he will be glorified in life or death for his deeds. He knows that when he fights an enemy like Grendel or Grendel's mother he will gain immortality as a victor or as a vanquished. "When we crossed the sea, I and my companions, we already knew that my whole purpose was this: to win the good will of your people or die in battle, caught in Grendel's fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death! (22)” Even with the enormous amount of faith Beowulf possesses, he understands that Fate or the Wyrd will work his magic no matter what and he could be killed at any time in his life. Face that reality without showing fear and preparing for a successful or fatal outcome. Beowulf is the prime example of an epic hero. His courage and strength surpass all mortal men; loyalty and ability to think of himself last make him revered by all. Beowulf came openly and wholeheartedly to help the Danes, which was an event.