The existence of Hereward is not generally disputed, though the story of his life, especially as recounted in the "Gesta", almost certainly contains exaggerations of his deeds and some outright fictions. Hugh M. Thomas argues that the "Gesta" is intended to be an entertaining story about an English hero, creating a fantasy of successful resistance to the Normans. Hereward is always motivated by honest emotions and displays chivalric values in his warfare, unlike his enemies. His supreme manly prowess is constantly emphasised. Potentially discreditable episodes such as the looting of Peterborough are excused, and even wiped out by stories such as the vision of St. Peter leading him to return the loot.