Beowulf's desire for fame is not selfish. Beowulf just wants the fame he deserves. Beowulf has done many brave acts and he wants to be recognized for them. He has put his life on the line to protect the people of Herot. If you fought off a monster who was "indestructable" wouldn't you want the fame and fortune?
Beowulf deserves to be hailed for all of the trouble he has had. He was very brave in the first place to even want to go to this town and fight Grendel.
"In his far-off home Beowulf,... heard how Grendel filled nights with horror and quickly commanded a boat fitted out..." (194-198) As soon as Beowulf heard of this monster he knew he wanted to defeat him in a battle and he quickly prepared to journey to Grendel's town.
The narrator also describes Beowulf's want for fame as a fight. "But Beowulf longed only for fame, leaped back into battle" (1529-1531). If Beowulf was being described as selfish it would say he longed for fame and commited a crime or scandal instead of going in to battle risking his life to try and help the people who do not have the force to kill Grendel.
Beowulf's initial goal was to defeat Grendel not to become well-known; but after, he knows he deserves it and it would be an extra to his victory!
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