Instead of returning with the treasure like any other character would have done, Beowulf insisted on returning with Grendel's head and the magic sword's hilt. This institutes that Beowulf has enough treasure and would rather further his reputation more than his belongings. Lastly, at the end of the epic, Beowulf is in preparation of battling the dragon. Even though Beowulf has now become King Beowulf, ruler of the Geats, he still continuous to think of his reputation. Beowulf refuses to battle the dragon with anyone with him, undeterred by the fact that his death will leave his people in lesser hands. Hrothgar's exhortation had cautioned Beowulf of his pride that may even turn into something dangerous. His superfluous pride seemed to defend his reputation more than anything. "…twelve of the bravest Geats Rode their horses around the tower, Telling their sorrow, telling stories Of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, Praising him for heroic deeds, for a life as noble as his name…mourning their beloved leader, Crying that no better king had ever Lived, no price so mild, no man So open to his people, so deserving of praise." (Raffel
Instead of returning with the treasure like any other character would have done, Beowulf insisted on returning with Grendel's head and the magic sword's hilt. This institutes that Beowulf has enough treasure and would rather further his reputation more than his belongings. Lastly, at the end of the epic, Beowulf is in preparation of battling the dragon. Even though Beowulf has now become King Beowulf, ruler of the Geats, he still continuous to think of his reputation. Beowulf refuses to battle the dragon with anyone with him, undeterred by the fact that his death will leave his people in lesser hands. Hrothgar's exhortation had cautioned Beowulf of his pride that may even turn into something dangerous. His superfluous pride seemed to defend his reputation more than anything. "…twelve of the bravest Geats Rode their horses around the tower, Telling their sorrow, telling stories Of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, Praising him for heroic deeds, for a life as noble as his name…mourning their beloved leader, Crying that no better king had ever Lived, no price so mild, no man So open to his people, so deserving of praise." (Raffel