The Swim with Breca

Unferth attempts to lower the esteem of Beowulf in the eyes of those around him by telling what turns out to be a false version of a story about a swimming challenge between Beowulf and Breca. He does this because he is a coward, much more willing to belittle the accomplishments of others than he is to outdo than himself. Unferth is jealous of Beowulf, "sick with envy," and this jealousy drives him to attempt, unsuccessfully, to turn others against Beowulf and deny the great hero fame and glory larger than his own.

Beowulf responds by telling the true story, where he not only matched Breca's swimming ability, but also slew nine seamonsters in a single night in the open ocean. He then proceeds to mock Unferth, telling him that he was never and will never be as talented with the sword as Beowulf is. Beowulf also condemns Unferth to Hell for his own shady combat tactics. Beowulf rightly says that if Unferth were as brave and talented as he claimed, Grendel would not have been a problem to Heorot, as Unferth could have taken care of Grendel himself.

Beowulf's response shows further evidence of his heroism, showing his ability to slay monsters in the ocean, a territory most fighters fear. However, the response shows not only Beowulf's deeds, but his character as well. He is not necessarily the most noble of heroes, as his mockery and condemnation shows. He is willing to expose a coward and a braggart in his company, not as much concerned for the feelings of others as he is for true and strong men to show themselves worthy. He is a hero because he accomplished the tale he tells, but also a hero because he will expose lies and deceptions and cowardice, even at the expense of others' feelings.