When Beowulf first heard about Grendel terrorizing the townspeople of Herot he doesn't think about helping them but rather how much glory this could bring him. That's the opposite view of a modern soldier, their first thought is for the general welfare of the people. Nevertheless both go out into dangers way to stop "terrorists" and occasionally reaping the benefits. Beowulf died a king but was not satisfied which killed him. Once in a while you'll hear about a soldier in the news that save someone so they get a medal but that's it. But both of the "soldiers" go out into unknown places to seek out the villains; Beowulf heads to an enchanted lake and soldiers head into foreign countries to protect the indigenous people.
When a warrior dies they both receive a memorial at their funeral. Beowulf is killed in action and has a huge monument built in his honor along with his kinsmen speaking highly about him at a memorial. Today in our culture when a soldier dies, in action or after his tour, they receive a memorial at their funeral procession where other soldiers salute their fallen comrade.
Beowulf was the symbol for what the Norse people looked up to but he also had traits that were not highly regarded by the people as well. Beowulf was what every child wanted to be : cunning, handsome, courageous and witty. But Beowulf had tragic flaws such as greed and his hubris. His excessive pride and intense desire for more got him killed. A modern day soldier is praised by many and disregarded by some as well. They do things that most people aren't willing to do but are called murders for it at the same time. Both of these "heroes" are praised but face scrutiny for different reasons.
