The novel Ransom by David Malouf (2009) and Beowulf by Anonymous (?8thC) use different narrative uses of the hero and the inability to be heroic in their respective texts. They both challenge readers' understanding of what it means to be heroic. Malouf describes that there are greater acts of courage than those that can be achieved in battle, which are qualities of a hero. Priam and Achilles are expected to behave in a certain way, which causes them to become symbols for a hero, as well as images of the ideal king and warrior for the people around them. It is through these characters, as well as Somax, that Malouf emphasizes that ordinary people who live and work far from the battlefields are also capable of having heroic qualities such as compassion, bravery, and courage. Likewise, within Beowulf, the reader is constantly reminded of his heroic presence and strength, as he is an ideal king and archetypal warrior. Beowulf is the greatest of the heroes depicted in the poem, not only because he possesses the greatest combat prowess. He also fulfills his social obligations towards society. He possesses the values ​​of a civilized man, as well as the strength of a warrior. Boewulf always cares for his people and is always kind and kind, thus becoming a hero. Themes of compassion and kindness, as well as courage and bravery, are explored in both texts. Both Ransom and Beowulf depict themes of compassion and kindness as a key character trait of a hero that the reader is invited to embody through the texts' narrative. In Ransom, Achilles is given the opportunity to capture or kill the king of Troy. However, instead he acts with qualities of a hero such as compassion and kindness and sets aside his "manly quality... middle of paper......lt in Beowulf's death . Further emphasizing Beowulf's bravery in fighting the dragon. The characters of Beowulf and Ransom demonstrate the most important characteristic of heroes; bravery, courage, kindness and compassion. Malouf suggests that true courage is formed away from the battlefield. in acts of kindness and compassion. Malouf describes that there are greater acts of courage than those that can be achieved in battle, which are qualities of a hero. He also argues that it takes more courage for kings and heroes to put aside their reputations and "assume the lighter bond of simply being a man." Likewise, the character of Beowulf clearly illustrates these traits. They both challenge readers' understanding of what it means to be heroic. The reader is constantly reminded of Beowulf's heroic presence and strength, as he is an ideal king and warrior..