Beowulf

2) What warning does Hrothgar give Beowulf?

In lines 1700-84, Hrothgar warns Beowulf about the dangers of kingship. He tells Beowulf that he should “not give way to pride” (l.1760), which makes great leaders complacent when they should be watchful for new dangers. On the other hand, Hrothgar goes on to suggest that death and defeat are inevitable, pride or no pride: “death will arrive, / dear warrior, to sweep you away” (ll.1767-8).