In Beowulf what is an example of ofermod?

Beowulf's insistence on fighting the dragon alone, in order to achieve greater personal glory, is a fine example of ofermod. As Tolkien argues eloquently in his essay ofermod, it is only acceptable for subordinate warriors to take exceptional risks in the name of personal glory. Rulers such as Byrhtnoth in The Battle of Maldon who take risks in the name of chivalry towards the enemy or for greater personal fame are guilty of ofermod, or over-pride. That is why the tone is so much different in the first two sections of Beowulf than it is in the third. At first Beowulf is a thane of Hygelac and his responsibility is only towards his lord. But once he becomes king, Beowulf is responsible for a nation and a people. To gamble their lives and future for a taste of his former victory is selfish and irresponsibly prideful. It is ofermod.