Story Summary
Explore the epic finale of Beowulf and the Dragon. After fifty years of rule, the aging king faces a fire-breathing beast to save his people from destruction.
After fifty years of peaceful rule over the Geats, King Beowulf's reign was threatened when a thief stole a gem-studded goblet from a hidden dragon's hoard. Consumed by rage, the dragon emerged from its barrow, breathing fire that reduced the countryside and the king’s great hall to ash. Though aged, Beowulf refused to let his people suffer. He donned his heavy armor and commanded a specialized iron shield to withstand the heat. Alongside eleven of his warriors, he sought the dragon's lair. As the battle commenced, the dragon's flames were too fierce, and Beowulf's sword, Naegling, snapped against the beast's impenetrable scales. Terrified, his men fled, save for the loyal young Wiglaf. Together, the old king and the young warrior struck the fatal blow, but the dragon’s venomous bite proved mortal. Beowulf died knowing his people were safe, his legacy sealed in gold and blood.
The Moral
True heroism is defined by a commitment to duty and the courage to face inevitable death for the sake of one's community.
“Fate goes ever as fate must.”
Fun Fact
The dragon in Beowulf is one of the earliest examples in European literature of the 'hoard-guarding' dragon, which later influenced J.R.R. Tolkien’s Smaug.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Beowulf and the Dragon?
The story teaches that true greatness lies in selfless sacrifice. Even in old age, Beowulf chooses to face certain death to protect his kingdom, proving that duty outweighs personal safety.
How did Beowulf die?
Beowulf was killed by a venomous bite to the neck delivered by the dragon. Although he lived long enough to see the dragon defeated, the poison was too potent for him to survive.
Who helped Beowulf fight the dragon?
Out of Beowulf's twelve companions, only the young warrior Wiglaf remained to fight. The others fled in fear, highlighting Wiglaf's exceptional loyalty and future potential as a leader.
Why did the dragon attack Beowulf's kingdom?
The dragon awoke in a fury after a thief entered its barrow and stole a single golden cup from its massive hoard. It sought revenge by burning everything in its path.
What happened to the dragon's gold after the battle?
In accordance with Beowulf's wishes, the gold was buried with him in a great mound overlooking the sea. It was considered cursed and useless to the living, serving only as a monument to the fallen king.
What was the significance of Beowulf's sword failing?
The failure of the sword Naegling represents the limits of human tools against fate. It emphasizes that Beowulf's strength was in his spirit and his hands, rather than in his weaponry.
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