The Anglo-Saxon hero must possess many traits before becoming an actual hero. One must be ruthless, superhuman, and cunning, understand the need for sacrifice, have pride, and be courageous. The goal of many Anglo-Saxon heroes' is to change their fate and the actions that they take can sometimes be unethical and immoral; however, they always seem to succeed in their goal. Both Beowulf and Buliwyf (The 13th Warrior) had all the characteristics of being Anglo-Saxon heroes.

Beowulf is one of the most known Anglo-Saxon hero's of the past and present. He had unfaltering loyalty to his King and his allies, his endurance and strength were incredible and he always defeated all of his opponents. Beowulf's courage was motivated by the want to change his fate, and in turn the course of his fate was changed because of the brutal actions that he took. Instead of defeating Grendal with...