Beowulf is remembered by his people as their king, the one who, with courage and intellect, kept them free from war for at least a couple of generations. Beowulf's exploits at Hrothgar's court are impressive, to be sure, but his ability to maintain his kingdom in peace and quiet, especially in an area and era in which dynastic and territorial struggles occur on a regular basis, is his lasting and most important achievement. For example, unlike a hero Beowulf is often compared to, Sigemund, who went after a dragon for the dragon's wealth, Beowulf goes after the dragon to bring peace back to his kingdom--in the words of the poet, "that was a good king.