Beowulf, the main character in the epic poem of the same name, is often considered brave because of his pursuit of battles against supernatural beasts. This includes his battle with the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother and a dragon that’s been terrorizing his kingdom.
As the story develops, Beowulf’s attitude towards these battles changes. His first battle, with the fiend Grendel, was done entirely unarmed; Beowulf believed using a weapon would be unfair of him. He used his strength alone able to overwhelm and defeat the creature.
About 50 years later, when he is fighting the dragon, he has come to grips with the fact that he is older and far less strong but still fights, even when others cower away. The fight leads to his inevitable death. Some consider this act far more brave than the youthful arrogance shown earlier in the poem.
