Beowulf as a Hero

In the online dictionary of Merriam-Webster, the definition of a hero reads as follows: “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; an illustrious warrior; a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; one that shows great courage.” Beowulf is a hero who embodies the ideal characteristics of Anglo-Saxon culture, and, according to the dictionary, of today’s society as well. Although we may not necessarily approve of a man dragging the head of a monster across the floor, he does possess the virtues, traits, and beliefs that were respected in his time. Perhaps the greatest of all his qualities as a hero, his great strength,...