In the Anglo-Saxon days, there was one story that showed the true meaning of being a hero. The epic known as Beowulf, which had originally started as a traditional folk story, showed strong hero characteristics in the hero Beowulf.
Beowulf was a warrior who was totally fearless. He never worried about when he would die. Beowulf said,"And if death does take me, send the hammered, Mail of my armor to Higlac, return the inheritance I had from Hrethel, and he, from Wayland.