Originating from the Anglo-Saxon period, the epic poem Beowulf paints the portrait of a legendary hero. Beowulf established the first form of heroism and was later introduced into English culture. Praised and admired by many people, Beowulf has several distinctive traits that allow him to perfectly define himself as an ideal Anglo-Saxon hero; his eagerness to seek glory and fame, rather than wealth and treasures, his loyalty and gracious attitude not only to his leaders but also to his followers, and his conflicting beliefs about faith and destiny. In Anglo-Saxon society, an ideal hero does not seek riches in gold and treasure; instead, he seeks fame and glory through his achievements. To ensure immortality and spread his name across the kingdoms, Anglo-Saxon warriors had strong aspirations to boast of their exploits through contests and challenges to prove their abilities. Unferth challenged Beowulf's swimming contest with Breca: "You both agreed, out of pride and folly, to run into the ocean at the risk of your lives and could not be dissuaded by any soul on earth" (Chapter 8). Although he failed to triumph, Beowulf secured his high reputation and gained glory by facing intense battles and slaying evil monsters. Ultimately, by challenging himself, Beowulf was able to boast his name and gain much glory to achieve immortality as an Anglo-Saxon hero. Another way for heroes to gain high reputation and fame was to pursue adventures and quests. Beowulf decided to go to the land of the Danes as soon as he heard about Grendel. Desperate to gain fame and glory, Beowulf was eager to help Hrothgar eliminate his enemy Grendel, who had tormented him and his people for 12 years. “...the highborn son o...... middle of paper...... between Beowulf and God. After Grendel's extermination, Hrothgar praised Beowulf for having God on his side to help him. “With God’s help, this foreign prince accomplished a task that we, with our deep wisdom and cunning, attempted in vain.” (Chapter 14). Once again, Beowulf exemplified an ideal hero, as God was at Beowulf's side throughout the poem. Besides faith, Beowulf also let fate take over the results of his battles. As Beowulf prepared for his battle with the dragon, he explained "...let fate decide our fate as it will, our destiny --- fate and God Almighty." (Chapter 35). Since fate had allowed Beowulf to win in every battle he encountered, Beowulf was destined to become a hero. Although contradictory, faith and fate represent the most vital attribution that makes Beowulf the ideal Anglo-Saxon hero..