Why does Beowulf believe he must fight the Dragon?
Beowulf believes he must fight the dragon primarily because it is his duty to do so. As king of the Geats, it is his overriding responsibility to protect his kingdom from all threats to its security.
Why does Beowulf fear the Dragon?
Why does Beowulf fear the dragon? Beowulf doesn’t fear the dragon because he is so proud of himself and believes God is on his side. He wants to fight the dragon alone because he wants to prove that he is still a tough and honorable man. Who becomes king after Beowulf dies? Wiglaf. What were Beowulf’s last words?
Why does Wiglaf want to help Beowulf?
Wiglaf is the only one willing to risk his life to help his ruler. He declares that he would rather be burned to death than to abandon his king, and he rushes to Beowulf's defense. It is Wiglaf's blow that slows the serpent and decreases his firepower, thus enabling Beowulf to manage one last thrust with a knife that opens the dragon's belly ...
Why does Wiglaf help Beowulf?
Wiglaf comes to Beowulf's aid for all of these reasons. He does so because he remembers and is grateful for Beowulf's generosity in giving him a landholding. He also realizes that, although he is still a great warrior, Beowulf is getting older and is not able to defeat the dragon by himself.
Why does Beowulf want to fight the dragon alone?
Beowulf wants to face the dragon by himself partially to protect his followers, who could easily be killed by the dragon.
How does Beowulf attack the dragon?
In desperation Beowulf pulls a knife from his belt and stabs it deep into the dragon's flank. The blow is fatal, and the writhing serpent withers. But no sooner has Beowulf triumphed than the wound on his neck begins to burn and swell. He realizes that the dragon bite is venomous and that he is dying.
What does the dragon in Beowulf symbolize?
The dragon is a mighty and glamorous opponent, an appropriate match for Beowulf. The dragon is so well suited to bring about Beowulf's downfall, in fact, that some readers have seen it as a symbolic representation of death itself: the unique, personal end that awaits every person.
How does Beowulf wish he could fight the dragon?
How does Beowulf wish he could fight the dragon? With his bare hands as he fought Grendel.
Beowulf and the Dragon
Beowulf is generally considered to be the oldest surviving work of English literature. The only surviving manuscript of the poem was written between 700 and 1000 CE, but it is possible that the story itself was passed down orally for much longer.
Beowulf Fighting the Dragon
The section of the poem that describes Beowulf fighting the dragon is the final action scene in the story. When the dragon starts destroying his lands, Beowulf wonders if God is punishing him, but ultimately realizes that the dragon is merely angry about the theft.
What is the Result of Beowulf's Battle with the Dragon?
The battle's most immediate result is that the dragon finally dies. Shortly thereafter, Beowulf also dies in Wiglaf's arms. Before he dies, he bequeaths his kingdom to Wiglaf, having no son of his own. With the dragon dead, the Geats are able to make use of its vast treasure hoard.
What sword did Beowulf use to fight the dragon?
His pride and warrior code would not let him chicken out of a battle. The sword he decided to use was Naegling (Borrowed from the king). The Dragon was fire-breathing and melted the sword causing Beowulf to battle without a weapon.
What happened to Wiglaf when he bit Beowulf?
The blood of the Dragon was poisonous and when he did bite Beowulf, he died. Wiglaf went back to fight the Dragon and later was sent back to the cave to get some of the treasure he won over for Beowulf. Before he dies Beowulf orders a barrow to be made in his name and then names Wiglaf the new King of the Geats.
How old was Beowulf when he defeated Grendel?
He defeated Grendel and Grendel's Mother early in his life. Fifty years have passed and Beowulf was eighty. As a payment to the king of the Danes he decided to fight the Dragon. The Dragon was in possession of a great treasure which he found buried in a cave.
What happened in the fiftieth year of the dragon's reign?
In the fiftieth year of his reign, another monster has the Geats under attack. A slave stole a cup from a fire-breathing dragon's treasure trove. This dragon was guarding the treasure, which was left by an ancient civilization.
What does the dragon say about the last member of the race?
The last member of the race has a particularly moving speech in which he realizes that life is fleeting, compared to the permanent wealth. Eventually the dragon found the treasure, and he has guarded it for three hundred years. He slept in peace until the slave stole the cup as a plea for mercy from his lord.
