In the beginning, treasure was given to show honor and respect, but in the end, it was taken for selfish desires. The treasure also symbolizes the excessive pride Beowulf has in his appearance. Beowulf is a very prideful character, and it is displayed throughout the story through his use gold. The treasure also represents the quest for the unattainable. All of the characters who sought after the treasure never found what they were looking for. Beowulf sought after the treasure to bring pride to his kingdom, but in the end, he requested that it be buried with