enemies in the story. The first being Grendel, a descendent of Cain and a monster to look at. Beowulf travels across the sea to the to the kingdom of the Danes. Its ruler, king Hrothgar, unable to fight Grendel he granted Beowulf permission to go and fight the beast. Upon Grendels defeat, another creature rises. Grendels mother has risen for revenge upon her sons death. Throughout these two battles Beowulf remains the winner. When Beowulf must fight the third and final battle with a dragon, he met his match. Beowulf knew this and yet he still continued to fight with the aid of Wiglaf, one of twelve assistants to the king. When Beowulf showed signs of failure all the others fled into he woods, fearing for their lives but only Wiglaf remained to help his king. This is what makes a hero; self sacrifice. Even with full knowledge of the great risk they were both facing, even when he ..stared at death.., Beowulf remained, for the good of his people, knowing that he was their last hope before lest the dragon destroy them. Not only does he sacrifice his life, then like a true hero , in his dying moments he thanks God for his prosperous lifetime and he requests that the gold that he fought and died for be distributed to his people and a tower be erected in his name. for this, this gold, these jewels, I thank our Father in heaven, Ruler of the earth- for all of this, that his grace has given meI sold my life for this treasure, and I sold it well.. Death in war was common and respected. This poem presents other examples of heroism, but at the same time it also contains the exact opposite, those who fell short; cowards. After the dragon has been defeated, the eleven deserting soldiers return to bear witness to the outcome. Wiglafs fiery speech displays the disgrace that cowardess brings. ..your lord gave you giftshunted across the world for the best weapons. War came and you ran like cowardsshould Beowulf have boasted of your strength? With Gods g...
