Final answer:
Beowulf's early life as a shepherd and bandit didn't promise greatness, but his physical and courageous attributes, along with social values around warfare, foreshadowed his future reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beowulf's early life indicated little promise that he would emerge as a great warrior because Germanic society did not have formal hierarchies and advancement was available to anyone who served a powerful chieftain or king. There is also the aspect of the unpredictable nature of warfare technology, which often rendered individual heroism irrelevant. Lastly, Beowulf was said to have been a shepherd and participated in raids with bandits, which may not directly correlate to the noble upbringing typically associated with a renowned warrior. However, his eventual greatness was likely due to a combination of his impressive physical appearance, personal bravery, and the value placed on military accomplishment in his culture.