The passage discusses heroes in literature, using Beowulf as an example. It notes that heroes give people figures to look up to and aspire to, and provide characters for audiences to root for. Beowulf is described as the hero of the epic poem that shares his name. He is portrayed as a strong, independent warrior who destroys monsters and becomes a great king, reflecting the societal values of his time period that prized tough, brave men who were not afraid.