The epic poem Beowulf was written around the mid 700's neither an exact date nor an author is known. Beowulf becomes famous by defeating horrible monsters, such as Grendel and Grendel's mother. Beowulf has pride in himself and in his battles. Before he leaves for his homeland, Hrothgar warns Beowulf about the dangers that are involved with pride. Beowulf does not heed Hrothgar's advice and dies for fame and fortune, the two most important priorities in his life.
             When Beowulf sets out to slay the dragon he becomes more concerned with his pride and fame than the consideration that he might die. However, he does have some foreboding that he may die in the battle. Before Beowulf sets out to slay the dragon Hrothgar warns him about his pride and tells him that he needs to get his priorities straight. Hrothgar says, "Push away pride! Your strength, your power,/ Are yours for how many years? Soon/ You'll return them where they came from, sickness/ or a swords edge" (1761-1764). If Beowulf does not choose internal happiness and he chooses his pride, his pride does not last forever; when death comes he will not be able to escape it. Only internal happiness can last a lifetime, but pride only lasts while one has his power. When they get to the dragons lair Beowulf's pride becomes evident when he says, "What I mean to, here, no man but me/ Could hope to defeat this monster. No one/ Could try" (2533-2535). On top of insisting that no one but himself could defeat the monster, he insists on going in alone without any of his men. By going in alone Beowulf will achieve the greatest fame for himself if he slays the dragon. When Beowulf fights he insists that his men not be included. There are two different ways that one can view this situation; as selfish or out of protection for his men. By the way he speaks one would more commonly view it as selfish. If Beowulf was not so greedy one would perhaps giving the thought to him bei...