The epic poem Beowulf was written during the Anglo-Saxon time period. This suggests Anglo-Saxon values and ideas were considered when writing. One of the numerous values that appears in Beowulf is heroism. Anglo-Saxons have ideal traits of an archetypal hero, all of which can be found in Beowulf. Anglo-Saxons believed those who show strength, intelligence, courage, and humbleness were considered to be an ideal hero. Although, one character that does not show many, if any, of the Anglo-Saxon traits of an ideal hero is Unferth. He is much more complex and less hero-like than Beowulf. Anglo-Saxons are said to have an essential taste in strength and physical appearance. Both characteristics which Beowulf has. During the poem, Beowulf is said …show more content…
When Beowulf reaches the land of the Danes, one of the coastguards says, “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.” (lines 247-250). In the poem Beowulf, Beowulf himself shows that a hero does not only need strength, but also courage. He is very courageous when it comes to defending the people he loves or simply to help people in need. When Beowulf decides to travel to the land of the Danes to help defend Herot from Grendel, he leaves in a blink of an eye and does not shed a single sign of fear. This also occurs when Grendel’s mother comes to attack as revenge for what he had done to her son. Beowulf was always ready for battle even when there was no danger in sight. Beowulf also shows his humble side as an ideal warrior, which is another element of heroism in which Anglo-Saxons believe in. After Beowulf had killed Grendel and his mother, he was given rewards and offered kingship by Hrothgar. He declined the kingship because he was going to return home to Hygelac. He does take the rewards he was given and gives them out to the people of his home town because they were much more in need than he was. This shows that Beowulf is humble just as a leader