Beowulf has accomplished many feats, even before he killed Grendel and his mother. He's proud of killing the monsters that lived on his earth, he made sure it was safe for his people to live. Although he boasts about his winnings I think he has a right too. He is the strongest of his people, and of the Danes he deserves some bragging rights without being viewed as arrogant. He did say, "...fame after death is the noblest of goals" (1388-1389), but I don't believe that's his only reason for being courageous and fearless. He doesn't do it entirely for the fame, or the treasure's he gets in return for his deeds, or other superficial prides. If anything, I think he mostly does it because that's all he knows. His father was a great warrior, he's known all over the world as shown in the following passage, "..commands me, to tell you that he knows of your noble birth" (391-392). And because of him Beowulf was able to be recognized by the Dane's and their king, Hrothgar. He grew up hearing about his father's greatness, he's just trying to follow in his footsteps so he won't let his father down.
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