In the Song of Roland, the author's portrayal of heroism is shown through the actions of Roland. Roland is a valiant warrior who stays behind with eleven of his other peers and twenty thousand franks to protect eh hold that the Franks have on Spain. Along with his fellow counts, he protects their share of Spain from the pagans. His heroic character is derived from the virtues of integrity, loyalty, and courage. The loyalty to his king shown in Roland's character can also be seen when Beowulf taithfully returns to his homeland to pay respect to his king after killing Grendel. Beowulf's courage that he had for the daunting talk of slaying Grendel can be compared to the predicament faced by the twelve counts left behind when they are heavily outnumbered by the pagan armies that attack the Franks.