In the Norse world, both gods and humans know their inevitable destiny is death. The heroic goal is fame after death... great and glorious deeds that inspire poets and singers are the only measure of immortality that a mortal can achieve. The Norse hero's greatness is measure by the quality of his life and the courage and dignity with which he faces his inevitable death. The characters of Beowulf cannot determine when they die, but they can try to determine how they live and die. Life is a tragic experience, and the best one can hope for is to live and die with dignity. It should be noted; the characters that rail against the inevitability of death are usually the ones who act with dishonor and treachery.

First thing to note is the contrast between

There is no doubt that his goal here is to ensure that his name will be remembered long after his life is over. Beowulf had to trust in his own strength instead, for if man wants to win lasting fame in battle, he must put aside his fear of death.

Unferth is afraid and jealous of Beowulf fame. Which is clearly shown when he speaks in the feasting-hall with these words “are you the Beowulf who competed with Breca, vied with him at swimming in the open sea when, swollen with vanity, you both braved the waves, risked your lives on deep waters because of a foolish boast”. (495-500) Unferth was “unwilling” for Beowulf to be better known and loved then he was so he attempted to belittle him in front of all that gathered in the hall.

therefore, assuring more fame and glory if he is the one that survives the battle and no shame if he loses.

In this modern world such attempts at gaining honor and fame seem foolish and wasteful. In an age when men lived and died by the sword it was the unfortunate man that met death while lying in his bed. In a time when personal honor does not hold as much sway the epic “Beowulf” gives a very good insight to the morals and thoughts behind the great deeds that made some men heroes.

Some topics in this essay:
Unferth Danish, Lord Eternal, , Beowulf Angrily, Aeshere Hrothgar's, Hrunting Hrunting, Hall Heroes, own strength, fame battle, glory death, characters beowulf, death beowulf, live die,