Beowolf

Unfirth is a jerk. He is trying to tarnish Beowolf's reputation in order that he might seem greater. He is known as the greatest warrior among the Danes and is the strongest of Hrothgar's men. When Beowolf, this great warrior comes to town, Unfirth becomes jeaolous. He does what he can to try and discredit Beowolf in order to make him seem like people are making a big deal about nothing. The way he tries to do this is by bringing up a contest that Beowolf had that Unfirth says he lost. He said that Beowolf lost the contest and was washed up on the shore. Beowolf however, responds like a hero should. First he questions Unfirth's motives, easily seeing through is phony attempt at power. However, he does not go on a rant about the failings of Unfirth, instead he makes a passing remark about him and goes on with his story. He corrects Unfirth's story and turns the doubt that was cast into more confidence in Beowlf. He tells the tale of How he was not washed up on the shore, but that he swam some great distance and battled and killed monsters along the way. Overall he did what many people at the time thought was impossible, turned swimming into a really really hardcore activity.