For many stories, the pride of the protagonists is usually shown and explained by the narrator or secondary characters. Yet in Beowulf of the Anglo-Saxons, translated by Seamus Heaney, his pride is reinforced by himself; he is satisfied knowing that he is letting everyone know his value and importance to the world. Before every battle, he would show up with such a pretentious way of fighting and bragging. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay At the beginning of Beowulf's journey through life, he is considered a great warrior. If he is a hero who includes loyalty, courtesy and slight maturity while perfecting his values ​​and manners; Beowulf is rather boastful and arrogant. As Unferth is afraid of Grendel and does not oppose any threat, Beowulf has no fear of him. Much like Unferth who still doubted Beowulf's fighting abilities, he commented: "When it comes to fighting, I consider myself dangerous at all times like Grendel." Since he doesn't like it when people don't believe in him, Beowulf easily takes on challenges to prove his worth. He quickly becomes too boastful of himself and many people tend not to believe in his abilities. Yet he is convinced that Grendel “will find me different.” As he defeats his powerful opponent, Beowulf is satisfied with the glory he is subsequently given and continues to fight only to maintain the glory he receives after completing his challenges. Towards the end of the epic, Beowulf is older and wiser. Even if his pride does not let him down in the face of his battles, he soon encounters one that he will not be able to defeat. With his encounter with the dragon, it shows how mature he is. Like anyone once an adult, Beowulf decides to reflect on the responsibilities of a king who acts not only for himself and his glorification, but also for the good of his people. As some people's characteristics do not change with age, Beowulf's ego and boasting continued to be a part of him. Before they reach his opponent's lair, his ego becomes more evident as he says, "What I mean here, no man but me / could hope to defeat this monster" while reluctantly saying to his own men: “this fight is not yours / and it depends on no one but me”. Once he sets out to fight the dragon, Beowulf neglects his own death, while being more concerned with his own fame and honor. While his weapons and armor fail him, Beowulf meets his end gracefully. Even after slaying the dragon hand in hand, Beowulf continues to seek glory. He pleads for his people to build a tower in his memory: “It will loom on the horizon in Hronesness / and be a reminder among my people.” Beowulf wants to leave with his fame known to all, because a simple memory of him is not enough to please him. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Beowulf was always a strong hero, but every monster he faced contributed to his own character development. Pride is seen as fueled by achievements and self-esteem, but its presence was not known enough for it to continually accept battles to gain more glory..