The epic of Beowulf features three heroic figures. Hrothgar, Beowulf, and Wiglaf all become heroes of history after a feat of strength and bravery carries their names across the land. A hero can only appear to claim the title once the previous hero has passed into the afterlife, as if the previous hero's existence somehow casts a shadow over his or her own. To become a hero, every warrior must first prove himself on the battlefield. Hrothgar, introduced at the beginning, is the first and oldest, his heroic exploits are briefly mentioned. However the result of his exploits, his troop of men and Herot, are an overwhelming testimony to his power; they are still present after 12 years of torture. The heroic exploits of Beowulf constitute the epic itself; his fight with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon each describe his strength and heroic potential throughout the tale. These battles are a testament to his strength and skill as a warrior. Finally, Wiglaf is introduced at the very end as Beowulf's sole aid in the fight against the dragon. The fame that each hero accumulates through the life he leads justifies his claim to the title of hero. While at first the differences between the three men seem vast, with each battle the similarities between the heroes grow and their bonds as heroes grow. The heroes of the majority of the story do not seem similar in any way, except that they are nobles; at first they seem opposites. Hrothgar is the king of the Danes; he resides in the most magnificent mead hall ever created by Herot, full of trophies and treasures from his plundering. He is the first hero depicted in the story, Hrothgar is old by the time Beowulf meets him, well past his prime. It is also the same difference... middle of paper ... troop, conquering different lands, spreading its name, increasing its fame. Eventually, the hero's name and greatness are known throughout the country and his reputation becomes a protection against other countries. Hrothgar's achievements in battle; Beowulf exploits his exploits in the conquest of the surrounding lands and his bravery in the face of the two grotesque monsters; Additionally, Wiglaf's bravery in fighting the dragon earned them the title of hero of the tale. The mantle is not passed down by blood or between clans, but by acts of strength, eternal glory, and bravery. Both Beowulf and Wiglaf were young, inexperienced warriors who fought selflessly to save another; conquer the beasts thus beginning their journey to become heroes. Hrothgar the Great Warrior, Beowulf the Old Guardian, and Wiglaf the Brave each gave their lives to the mantle of hero to protect what they loved..