Beowulf dies during battle with a dragon. In the second part of the poem, Beowulf has ruled over the Geats for fifty years, and he is a good leader. When the dragon attacks, it is worthy of note that he does not do so unprovoked. The dragon has been tasked with guarding a treasure hoard, and although the original owner of the treasure has long since died, the dragon continues to stand guard. When a cup is stolen from the treasure by a man who wants to win favor with his master, the dragon seeks revenge on Beowulf's people. Beowulf takes a large retinue of warriors to fight the dragon, but at the sight of the creature, all of Beowulf's vassals flee with the exception of Wiglaf, the youngest. Beowulf and Wiglaf fight the dragon together, and although they kill the dragon, Beowulf is fatally wounded. As he lays dying,...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Beowulf gives Wiglaf instructions for his burial and the disposal of the treasure.
Wiglaf's remaining by Beowulf's side reinforces the theme of loyalty in the poem. Beowulf is ultimately faithful to his lord, Hygelac, even while he is fighting in the service of Hrothgar, a rival lord. This loyalty is repaid when Wiglaf remains by his side, even while his other vassals flee.
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.
Beowulf dies after fighting a dragon.
In the third part of the story, Beowulf has aged since his adventures in Hrothgar's service, and become King of the Geats. However, a thief wakes a sleeping dragon (yet another one of many monsters in the story) who destroys Beowulf's hall and many of the Geat's buildings. The surprise and violence of this assault surprises Beowulf and leads him to believe that it is his fate to die with the dragon.
Beowulf confronts the dragon alone, but is mortally wounded in the battle. Only one of his men, Wiglaf, remains with him. Beowulf instructs Wiglaf on how to bury him, and to care for the Geats; he then states that he is going to join his ancestors:
earls in their glory: I after them go.
This word was the last which the wise old man
harbored in heart ere hot death-waves
of balefire he chose. From his bosom fled
his soul to seek the saints’ reward.