What Makes a Hero?

In many different legends the main character of a story is a hero. Whether they are fighting dragons, or saving a princess, many people just generalize, by calling them a hero. But what really does make up a hero? Is it their strength? What about their physical looks? When analyzing the story Beowulf, it was easy to see why Beowulf was a hero. He had it all, the fame, the glory, and the treasures. He even became king by the end of the tale. But does this really make him a hero?
A hero is often catagorized as a person who will lay down their life for another. Whether with their strength, like Beowulf, or with their wit. In the story Beowulf, the hero risks his life to save another kingdom from the evil Grendel. When his own king offers him the throne after he dies because of his great deed, Beowulf modestly declines the offer, instead becomes an advisor to the king's son. A hero is someone who forgets the direct reward for what they do, which means the fame and the money, and does what they do for the good of others around them. In my opinion, a good example of a hero in today's time period, would be some fighting for their country in the armed services. They are risking their lives, to save people, most of whom they don't even know. A person like this exemplifies the true meaning of a hero.