Beowulf is an epic poem that tells the adventures and deeds of a legendary heroic warrior. Beowulf's heroic characteristics such as courage, loyalty, honor as well as sacrifice are displayed along the poem while fighting and killing Grendel, then the creature's mother and finally the dragon which mortally wounded Beowulf in the struggle. Beowulf represents the perfect archetype of a hero. A record of his heroic deeds are examples of Beowulf's bravery and sacrifice to risk his like for the greater lord and his people when slaying the dragon that threatens the Geats.