Epic Hero

The tale of an epic hero unlike any other thrives on in Beowulf, who is a powerful warrior and leader. By definition, a hero is typically a man who is greatly admired or idealized for their noble, courageous and notable qualities, exceptional achievements and brave feats. Beowulf, warrior of Geatland and King of the Swedes, battles monsters and accomplishes, no doubt, heroic deeds in this centuries-old text. In this essay, I argue the qualities of a true hero and that Beowulf possesses each of these and utilizes them in this ancient and epic tale.
It is said many times that Beowulf is among the "mightiest yet mildest of men." A hero of any sorts is not only strong in battle and great in bravery, but modest and humble. A certain respect for balance between power, leadership and acceptance must be understood in order for an epic hero to truly be the stuff of legends. Where there is mighty skill and ability to slay dangers and face peril, intellect and wisdom must counter the brutality. I believe this exists within Beowulf, who although is proud and eager for glory, was also a "mild" man. His deeds were justifiably honorable and worthy of praise, and yet when met with what may be certain death, he accepted his chanced demise and stood his ground despite that.
Hrothgar saw this courage in Beowulf, a courage that was not only for the cause of riches and praise and fame, but for the people he was protecting. Not even in his own homeland, he battled Grendel and his mother for the sake of those who were preyed upon by the horrible monsters. This was a deed that the King of Denmark became in debt because of - though the Scandinavian hero did not request that debt to be paid.
Upon returning home to Geatland, Beowulf ruled over his kingdom, not with the proud ferocity of a warrior who defeated Grendel and his terrible mother. Rather, with the grace and humility of a true epic hero. He was a King who achieves greatness in his actions not only for himself, but for the good of all those who create him a hero within their minds. It was his final actions to protect those people, fending off the evil that posed before his land. He died at the fangs of a dragon, though not vainly. This was his wish, to perish honorably and at the stakes of an undoubtedly important reason. Beowulf was quite obviously a hero of epic proportions. His pride masked a humble interior, a mighty but mild man. Heroic actions owned him the title, but it was his bravery that led to exceptional wisdom, which in turn led his people peacefully and harmoniously for fifty years. This was only to end when the final blow was delivered in the name of faithful and courageous loyalty to that which he protected since he sailed the ocean to Denmark, to rid their moors and great halls of Grendel the beast.