Title Stop and think for a moment, what is your idea of a hero? What characteristics make up this hero? When reading the story Beowulf it can be discovered that a hero has strength, loyalty, and courage to endure all of their battles. With these qualities it made the story have a more Christian aspect, such as when he gave thanks to God when he safely crossed the sea, the character Grendel is a descendant of Cain, and Beowulf is a Christ like figure. “To that hall, but by Hrothgar for the best and bravest of his men; the path was plain; they could see their way” (225-227). The sentiment exposed in the quotation, embodies the views that he gave thanks to God instead of his men for getting them there safely across the sea. In addition to, the character Grendel is a descendant of Cain because the figure of Cain is used metaphorically during the period to represent chaos and the presence of evil. Grendel kills people because he was jealous just like Cain did with Abel. “Marshes, made his home in a hell not hell but earth… The Almighty drove those demons out, and their exile was bitter” (18-24) because of the curse on Cain it’s safe to say that it probably got passed