10 tips from Beowulf on how to make yourself seem really impressive:

  1. Be the man “who of all men was foremost and strongest in the days of this life” (789).

2.    Defeat a devilish monster even after making the fight more fair because “He [Grendel] has no idea of the arts of war of shield or sword-play” (680).

3.     Defeat that same devilish monster’s mother the next day with “a resolute blow that deep into her neck-     bone and severed it entirely” (1570).

4.    Swim for five days in the ocean while fending off sea monsters so that “From now on sailors would be  safe, the deep sea raids were over for good” (570).

5.    “Avenge dear ones” by defeating hellish monsters rather “than to indulge in mourning” (1384).

6.      Be the only person able to lift the legendary sword of giants.

7.   Take down a legendary dragon 50 years after your prime.

8.   In your own death, die for the cause of someone else, or even better a nation.

9.   Give most of what you win to others.

10. Last of all, to make yourself seem really impressive, make sure you repeatedly boast about your              impressiveness to people all over.