Fame and glory

Ancient civilizations valued fame and glory as features that would survive people after their deaths. In the story of Beowulf, such an example was demonstrated when Unferth challenged Beowulf's reputation. Instead of backing down, Beowulf bravely sought to solidify his status when he took the fight to the monster Grendel unarmed in order to save the land. By putting his life at risk to save the people of the land, Beowulf reinforced his tremendous character, and in turn developed him into a heroic individual of great fame and glory that would survive after his death. This is evident by the fact that his valiant and almost superhuman stories still survive through stories to the present day.

The Anglo-Saxon lived by Beowulf’s ideals. They were a civilization that valued courage and leadership. They believed in fate, that the only way their legacy could live on forever is if you have fame. Beowulf, there was a combination of many great characteristics that shaped his fame and glory. The characters in Beowulf are defined by their status, which is a form of their fame and accomplishments. The Anglo-Saxons longed for fame and glory because to them, it creates immortality. In one example, the narrator says, "But Beowulf longing only for fame, leaped into battle." In this case, Beowulf risked his life in battle because he wanted to have his moments of fame. Such an instance exemplifies just how much the Anglo-Saxon longed for this status.

Throughout Beowulf’s life, his fame and glory allowed him to lead an exemplary life where he was able to influence a code of conduct that was ideal for his people. His people looked up to him as a role model, even after his death. This allowed him to shape a code of values and conduct for others around him who wished to model themselves after such a storied individual of their civilization. None of this would have been possible had it not been for Beowulf’s legendary fame and glory that was visible on him throughout most of his life,