In the epic poem Beowulf, translated by Burton Raffle, Beowulf devours three hideous monsters: Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a fire breathing dragon. Grendel is a monster that can kill thirty men in a swipe of his fist. When Grendel's mother and Beowulf battle, Beowulf finds himself in a place he has never been or seen anything like. Last, he slaughters the fire breathing dragon and sends Wiglaf to recover the treasures. Beowulf's courage, leadership, and strength are all aspects of his character that aid him in his battle to becoming an epic hero.

Beowulf's courage comes in as a major aid to him in his battles. Beowulf proves his courage when he fights Grendel with no weapons and states "[Grendel] needs no weapons and fears none/Nor will I" (168-169). Once again here is a monster that can kill thirty men at once, yet Beowulf chooses to face...