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Beowulf and the Dragon

Beowulf has fought and defeated Grendel and his mom. He has also had the crown of Geatland for fifty years. At this time, a thief stirs a sleeping dragon by taking his treasure. The thief escaped, and the dragon vowed revenge on Geatland. The now much older Beowulf prepares to go to battle against the dragon. During the battle, the dragon melts Beowulf's shield and breaks his sword.

Before reading the final passages, go to 1.07 Beowulf and the Dragon Discussion to predict what you think will happen next in the epic.

We have seen Beowulf overcome many obstacles in our reading. He has clearly defeated his two other antagonists: Grendeland Grendel's Mother. We know he is older now. Does age have an adverse effect on even the toughest of characters? Fighting
takes a toll on the body, and Beowulf is hunting the dragon, his third antagonist. He takes with him eleven other warriors. A guide shows the men where the dragon lives,under the earth in a cave by the ocean.

Read part of "Beowulf Seeks the Dragon."

Read "Beowulf Seeks the Dragon"

Hear "Beowulf Seeks the Dragon"

The men are reluctant in finding the dragon. Beowulf wants to help his community, so he will not stop until he destroys the dragon. However, we see a different side of Beowulf. "Woe was his spirit," suggests that he is in grief or misery. He knows what is near, "Death-boding, wav'ring; Weird very near him." The word weird in this context means fate or destiny, one's assigned lot or fortune. Beowulf's fate was very near him. This is foreshadowing the final battle, the final conflict in our epic poem.

Let's read the part where Beowulf is reminiscing, or thinking about the days of his youth.

Read "Beowulf's Reminiscences"

Hear "Beowulf's Reminiscences"

Beowulf is boasting about his fearless ways of his youth. Remember, brave warriors and kings are expected to boast, so he was not being conceited. Back then, Beowulf had youth on his side. He won countless battles and was rewarded well. Still, in his older age, Beowulf is seeking out the enemy. He expects to die a hero for what he has accomplished in his life. He isn't sure if he will win this battle or not, but he will die trying for his people.

Read the next part of the battle where Wiglaf fights with Beowulf for the first time.

Read "Wiglaf the Trusty"

Hear "Wiglaf the Trusty"

This battle is Wiglaf's first battle under Beowulf. Wiglaf is pleading to the other warriors to stay and fight because their lord, Beowulf, needs them. He tells the others that he would rather die than go home without his leader. As he is talking, "The dragon came raging." Beowulf strikes the dragon with his sword but, "'Twas denied him that edges of irons were able/To help in the battle." His sword failed him. The dragon then attacks Beowulf, "seized on his neck/With teeth that were bitter." He was dealt a fatal blow at this point.

Now read about Beowulf's final moments.

Read "The Fatal Struggle"

Hear "The Fatal Struggle"

Wiglaf is the only one of Beowulf's men to stick by his side. In and out of consciousness, Beowulf helps Wiglaf fight this fire-breathing dragon with courage and bravery. Beowulf gets out his knife and cuts the dragon.

How do you think you would have reacted in this type of situation? Have you ever heard of fight or flight? This is actually a physiological reaction that happens when we are in a dangerous situation.

In the end when Beowulf was suffering, his soldiers were not by his side. Wiglaf was the only one to stay by his side.

Look at what Beowulf says in the following lines:

I braved in my youth-days battles unnumbered;
Still am I willing the struggle to look for,
Fame-deeds perform, folk-warden prudent,
If the hateful despoiler forth from his cavern
Seeketh me out!

Even though he is older, he still wants to be the hero. Beowulf has so many people who look up to him because of his bravery. But is it bravery?

Beowulf asks Wiglaf to go get the dragon's treasure so that he can see it. He wished he had a son to give it to. Do you think he should give it to Wiglaf since he was the only warrior to help him?

"The bold-mooded troop-lord took from his neck then
The ring that was golden, gave to his liegeman,
The youthful war-hero, his gold-flashing helmet,
His collar and war-mail, bade him well to enjoy them:
'Thou art latest left of the line of our kindred,
Of Waegmunding people: Weird hath offcarried
All of my kinsmen to the Creator's glory,
Earls in their vigor: I shall after them fare.'"

Beowulf didn't give Wiglaf all the treasure, but he did give him his golden ring, his helmet, and his chain mail. These gifts are symbolic in gesture. They are saying to Wiglaf that he is next in line to rule over the people. Remember that Beowulf doesn't have a son, so there is no one next in line. Also, a king rewards his liegemen with gifts for their bravery. His kingdom would be the ultimate gift.

Beowulf's last request was to be remembered for his epic bravery, fearlessness, and gallantry. Wiglaf commands his people to build a funeral pyre in Beowulf's honor. The jewels from the dragon's hoard are buried with him.

The men mourn for their king and sing praises to his name. The final passage of Beowulf shows how much they admired their king.

"So lamented mourning the men of the Geats,
Fond-loving vassals, the fall of their lord,
Said he was kindest of kings under heaven,
Gentlest of men, most winning of manner,
Friendliest to folk-troops and fondest of honor."

What is important to Beowulf as well as his society? What motivates our hero? If you guessed the desire to gain recognition in this life and the next, you were right. Fame and fortune drove Beowulf to commit heroic deeds that he probably wasn't able to accomplish.

If you completed noble and warrior-like tasks, then you were compensated with rich goods: swords, cups, coins, rings, and chain mail. The king is guardian of the treasure, so he would reward his men with gifts. Think about the battle with the dragon. Did all of the men deserve gifts?

 

 

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