Beowulf: A Hero There are many qualities which may be attributed to a hero. Many of these are evident in the title character of the great epic Beowulf. Among this hero's greatest characteristics are bravery, courage, and nobility. The hero colorfully demonstrates each of these characteristics throughout the epic. Beowulf's bravery was demonstrated numerous times, both happening in the past and is being retold, or is actually happening throughout the epic. For instance, when Beowulf speaks of his swimming match with Brecca, he tells how they both had boasted of being the greatest swimmers, and to prove it, both swam across the sea.