Which character challenges Beowulf to a beot (boast)?

• A. Beowulf
• B. Hrothgar
• C. Unferth
• D. Grendel

Answer: (C)

Beot, or the ritual boast, is a moment where a warrior must publicly name deeds or intent to prove worth and readiness. In the Danes’ hall, Unferth steps forward as the challenger, questioning Beowulf’s claims by bring up Beowulf’s earlier swimming contest with Breca and implying his feats aren’t as great as claimed. This confrontation is designed to force Beowulf to respond with a beot, letting him recount his past courage and vow victory, thereby legitimatizing his upcoming fight with Grendel. That is why Unferth is the one who initiates the beot—he tests Beowulf’s honor and worth through a formal challenge. Beowulf himself is the one who delivers a counter-beot, not the challenger; the king and the monster aren’t the ones engaging in this boast exchange.