Why is the focus of the story on beowulf as a hero rather than as a king? what is the difference? what does this tell us about the importance of the heroic code to this culture?

Beowulf was depicted more as a hero because he was willing to risk his life for his people, not for personal glory and he had all the qualities of a hero right from his youth

Explanation: He showed great bravery, loyalty and friendship which were characters of a great hero.

The difference is that if the focus was on his role as a king, he would have been measured with his actions while carrying out his royal duties whereas the story is much more than his kingship and the sum total of his life's work was more in line with that of an Anglo Saxon hero.

The heroic code; bravery, loyalty and friendship was highly regarded by the Anglo Saxons and those who had it were more honoured than others.

Beowulf is a prime example of an Anglo Saxon epic hero .