After hearing that a horrible beast has been murdering innocent soldiers as they slept in their mead hall, Beowulf sails across the ocean to offer his assistance to King Hrothgar, ruler of the Danes. Upon his arrival he begins to boast of his past battles, even stating that he will fight the beast, Grendel, without the use of “sword and strong shield.” Unferth, a jealous warrior of the King, was quick to recount the story of when Beowulf lost a swimming match. Beowulf denounces Unferth’s claim as drunken talk, and instead declares himself the real conqueror since he had to fend off and kill sea-monsters, saying: “I have not heard of many who fought a more fearsome assault on the night.” (page 43 line 510) By “bragging” about past experiences I believe Beowulf is trying to keep up a courageous attitude.
Even with no king or queen around, Beowulf continues to remain egotistical. On his way to bed the night before the battle with Grendel, Beowulf tells himself: “I am no weaker in works of war, no less a grappler than Grendel himself. Soon I shall sink him into his death-sleep, not with my sword but solely my strength.” (page 45 line 605) Beowulf goes on to say if Grendel does not use a weapon neither will he. “May God in His wisdom grant whom he wills blessing in battle.” (page 45 line 611) I believe that statement justifies the belief that whether or not Beowulf uses weapons to fight Grendel the outcome is not up to him but up to God or other forces over which he has no control. That night as Beowulf “settled in bed, and a bolster pillowed his proud cheekbone.” (page 45, line 613) This statement shows that Beowulf stayed in a state of mind that allowed him to keep his courage. Meanwhile his other soldiers drifted of to sleep wondering if they would ever wake up and be able to return to their homes and children. Unfortunately during the night Grendel returned to reek havoc in the halls of Hergot and some of those men who went to sleep fearing the night were killed. Beowulf on the other hand was spared, and he was able to defeat the monster by ripping of his arm with out the use of a weapon. Once the fight had ended and morning came Beowulf announced to the King that Grendel was killed and although he wanted to show off the dead body all he had was the arm. Beowulf still looks at this as victory, as do all of the others in the village.
In the end I believe that Beowulf, in his mind, knew that God and/or fate predetermines everything in his life and that he should never be afraid to attempt even the most dangerous feats. Beowulf believes that as long as he keeps his courage he will be victorious in battle. While others may think Beowulf’s speeches are just an excuse to brag and make himself look good to others, I think it is his way of keeping his courage so he can continue to do good for others.