Final answer:
In Beowulf, immortality was achieved metaphorically through the hero's legacy of bravery and great deeds, contrasting with the literal quest for eternal life in stories like The Epic of Gilgamesh. Warriors aspired to live on in memory and legend, which was a crucial part of Germanic society.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Beowulf, immortality was earned through the hero's legacy of bravery and by performing great deeds. Germanic societies placed a high value on the achievements of warriors and kings. The warrior ethos, interwoven with the culture's law and custom, promoted the idea that one's name could live on forever through honorable battles and legendary feats.
Unlike the physical quest for eternal life seen in The Epic of Gilgamesh, in which immortality is a literal goal thwarted by the loss to a serpent, the heroes of Germanic epics aimed for a metaphorical immortality through their actions and reputations.
The mention of shields and dragons, as seen in tales like those of Ethelred, signifies the importance of valor and overcoming monstrous barriers, underscoring the ways in which heroes could achieve immortal status in the eyes of their society.
The societal structure of the time is illuminated by the concept of blood price, where a person's worth can lead to a lasting impact. Similarly, the Jelling stones are historical examples of this pursuit of remembrance through monuments, with inscriptions meant to immortalize individuals long after their death.