Although Beowulf surrounds himself with a group of warriors as he prepares to battle the dragon, only Wiglaf demonstrates true bravery and loyalty. When the other warriors flee the battle scene, Wiglaf remains behind to aid Beowulf's efforts. Despite Wiglaf's best and most valiant efforts to assist his king, Beowulf suffers a fatal injury.

Wiglaf is crushed by the loss of his leader. In anger, he summons the other warriors and gives them a "stern rebuke." Wiglaf reminds them that Beowulf had provided them with the very armor that covers their bodies and had "showered" them with gifts for their service.

Not mincing words, Wiglaf calls the cowardly group a "disgrace." Furthermore, he admonishes them for putting the Geats in a precarious position; he is certain that once other leaders hear that Beowulf is dead, there will be wars with other governments.

Wiglaf banishes the cowardly warriors for failing to support their king in the hour when he needed them most. He even calls into question their worth, asserting that true warriors would rather fight and die than live and face the shame of cowardice. By banishing those who retreated from battle, Wiglaf restores a sense of justice, punishing those who failed to demonstrate faithful loyalty to their king.