Honor is trait of Beowulf that made him part of who he is. He would fight his opponents the way they fought him. Grendel, the monster of Herot, used his hands to fight. And that’s all, so Beowulf said (line 262) “That monster scorn of men is so great he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord, Higlac.”
Beowulf also has the character trait of bravery. He goes before all others when things go bad. He would rather risk his own life, than to see someone else risk theirs. He asked a favor to the ruler