Plain and simple, it means not having to die. The fear and the enigma of death is one of the most ancient and persisting human obsessions, that has been the subject of countless mythological stories and written pieces of literature.
In classic Greek and Roman literature, gods were immortal by definition. But there is also an interesting story about Cumaean Sybil, a priestess who was pursued by Apollo. When he promised to grant her one wish if she would yield to him, she asked to live eternally. But then she changed her mind and refused Apollo, who left her to decay alive, as she didn't ask for eternal youth.
In contemporary literature, there are numerous examples of fascination with the so-called "undead" - vampires, aliens, and other uncanny creatures.
Sentence one is the topic sentence because it tells you what the paragraph is about.
Both insist that drastic action requires a statement of rationale.
Christian beliefs -
Selflessness - Wiglaf, the selfless character who everyone should aspire to be.
He stays with Beowulf even when the other ten men flee. This also relates to
the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, except Beowulf is betrayed by all but one of
his men. <span>
Boasting - Beowulf boasts about his match with Breca on the
open seas and recounts the story of his victory of Grendel and his mother
several times throughout the poem.
Pride in loyalty - See above (Wiglaf)
<span>Desire for fame - The entire reason Beowulf travels to help
the Danes with Grendel. Also can be seen as a selfish act which is counter to
Christian beliefs.</span></span>
