." Then Beowulf speaks in reply. "Sorrow not, wise warrior. It is better for each to avenge his friend than greatly to mourn (25)." At this point in the story king Hrothgar mourns the loss of his good friend Aeschere. He proceeds to bribe Beowulf with treasures to find Grendel's mother and slay her for the viscous act. Beowulf replies by comforting Hrothgar and promising revenge, because avenging a death is better than mourning a death. Beowulf does not risk his life for reward or boasting rights, but out of his own personal dignity. He knows that if he does not succeed in victory then others will fail after him. Beowulf's arrogance and pride in himself helped him to achieve victory against the worst of evil alone. " No whit did his comrades, sons of chieftains, stand about him in a band with valour, but they took to the wood, they hid for their lives (47)." This is when Beowulf senses his weakness as an old man fighting a horrid beast. His men flee from the dragon's wrath, yet Beowulf still stands his ground. He is willing to die as a king to save his people. At this point Beowulf senses his death, and knows he is no match dragon. But at the end of the story victory favors the hero. Though Beowulf dies he is a legend to his people and will be embraced with honor and respect from future generations....
