Beowulf is a hero in the epic poem Beowulf, because he shows courage, determination, and loyalty. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Beowulf is a Geatish hero who fights Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire-breathing dragon. Beowulf is an “ordinary individual who has strength to persevere” he fights monsters back to back, he is a hero in the epic poem Beowulf, because he shows courage, determination, and loyalty.

To start with, Beowulf shows courage in the epic poem, one of the great attributes of a real hero. If it wasn't for Beowulf having courage, Hrothgar wouldn't have begged Beowulf to kill Grendels mother for treasure. Beowulf went to Grendels mothers home. He started to fight her and she left him helpless. “God, who sent him victory, gave judgment for truth and right, Ruler of the heavens, once Beowulf was back on his feet and fighting.” (510). Beowulf had courage by killing Grendels mother. He killed her with a sword. If it wasn't for Gods help or courage Beowulf wouldn't be able to kill Grendels mother. Beowulf was searching for Grendels mother, when he finally found her he killed her with a sword. It took a lot for him to do that.

Additionally, Beowulf shows determination when he battles with Grendel. If it wasn't for him having determination he wouldn’t be ready to fight. “Beowulf, a prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people” (351-354). “Hell’s capture caught in the arms of him who of all the men on Earth was the strongest.” (310-313). Beowulf was determined to save the Geats. Since he was so determined he went to kill Grendel. The battle was hard but he finally got it over with. Beowulf has determination he was determined to make sure that the Geats were satisfied and saved. 

Lastly, Beowulf shows loyalty in the end of the poem. If it wasn’t for him showing loyalty, he wouldn’t have the Geats to protect. “I will fight again, seek fame still” (609). “The battle was over, Beowulf had been granted new glory.” (304-341). He is a loyal hero because he was willing to still fight for his people even though he was dying. Beowulf is loyal, he is able to aid the Geats when they need it. He saves the day.

Courage, determination, and loyalty is what makes Beowulf a hero in the epic poem Beowulf. Since he has courage, determination, and loyalty that is what makes him a hero. Do you have anyone in your life who reminds you of Beowulf? If so, who and why?