A reoccurring theme that is found within Beowulf is the importance of reputation. Throughout the story, Beowulf is constantly talking of his reputation and accomplishments. The first case of this can be read when he comes to the aide of the Danes. When Beowulf was allowed in to see the king, some of his first words were, “When I was younger, I had great triumphs” (Beowulf, 121). He then continues to name some of the triumphs he had had as though his reputation were a resume. During the banquet with King Hrothgar, Unferth criticizes Beowulf’s defeat in a seven-day swim, but Beowulf easily shuts this down. He recounts his story during the swim and then goes on to talk confidently about how he would destroy the dragon, Grendel. It is the way that