Emerson’s qualities of a hero are exemplified as a strong-willed and respected individual, each are traits involved with the characterization of Beowulf. For example, in chapter thirteen of the story, after Beowulf defeated Grendel, he is exemplified as “wise and valiant.” Another quality of heroism that Emerson concludes within his synthesis involves how heroes are self-confident in their abilities and do not fear the risks or repercussions of their actions. Emerson concludes that the hero is just in his actions because he acts from the heart, not from the mind, where he does for the best interests of others, instead of himself. An exemplification of Beowulf, which matches this same theory, is found in the story when Beowulf leaves his own
