Beowulf

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1. 
   sullymonster Teacher
   Community / Jr. College

   As an old man who has been king for many years, Beowulf's must deal with a dragon that is threatening his people.  Although he is at first reluctant to face the dragon, he is shamed into it by Wiglaf, a young relative.  Beowulf is killed by the dragon, who bites Beowulf in the neck and imbues him with poison.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/beowulf/lines-2-602

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   Posted by sullymonster on Wednesday October 17, 2007 at 7:48 PM
   
   

2. 
   jilllessa Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   Beowulf does die during his battle with the dragon, but he is not shamed into the battle.  A slave stumbled into the dragon's lair and has stolen a cup from the dragon's treasure.  As a result, the dragon goes seeking the thief, murdering and burning everything as he goes.  Bewoulf realizes that he must fight the dragon for his people, even though he is old.  It is his job.  He has a shield made of iron to protect him from the dragon's breath.  He takes with him twelve of his men including Wiglaf, but at the crucial moment, eleven of his men run and hide; only Wiglaf goes on to help Beowulf.  He finds Beowulf being held by the neck in the Dragons mouth.  Beowulf's sword had failed him so Wiglaf attacked the dragon, taking his attention from Beowulf.  While Wiglaf's attack was not fatal, it gave Beowulf time to retrieve his knife and and stab the dragon as well.  Between the double attack, the dragon was killed. 

   Wiglaf then helped Beowulf out of the dragon's hold and took him aside.  Beowulf was mortally wounded but Wiglaf helped the dying warrior see the Dragon's treasure before he died, and Beowulf made Wiglaf his successor.  Wiglaf then goes and castigates the traitorous thanes hiding in the woods and banishes them from the kingdom.  Finally Wiglaf builds a mound for Beowulf and mourns him.  The great treasure Beowulf won from the dragon is buried with him.  His men have not desire for it.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/beowulf/lines-2-602

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   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by jilllessa on Wednesday October 17, 2007 at 8:45 PM
   
   

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