As the story of Beowulf, King of the Geats, nears its conclusion, the battle with the dragon plays an invaluable role in the story’s resolution, as change comes to the kingdom (in the form of a new leader, Wiglaf) and the riches of a past civilization are freed. The fight and eventual slaying of the dragon symbolize both the past and the promise of the future for the kingdom. Historically, we can gain insight into the writer’s world as well. Through the final confrontation of the main protagonist and a fire-breathing dragon, we can better understand the timeless battle of good vs. evil and the classic image of a selfless king.
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Beowulf’s role is to display the honor and courage of a great leader. As a contrast to the primal hatred and aggression of the dragon, Beowulf represents goodness and purity. The story is a classic examination of the proper conduct and behavior of the ultimate king. The main character works as the ideal model through his particular personality and the manner in which he conducts himself. Through his bravery, generosity and powerful fighting abilities, Beowulf shows how a ruler should think and act. Throughout the epic poem, there are numerous examples of Beowulf’s ideal talents and honorable personality.
Quickly, the reader understands that Beowulf is seen in high regard. The author establishes the warrior’s valiant nature early: “Shield had fathered a famous son:/Beow’s name was known throughout the north” (Heaney, line18-19). According to the author, Beowulf displays “Behavior that’s admired/ is the path to power among people everywhere” (24-25). Beowulf is loyal to his friends and shows a great deal of generosity to the people around him; he is not a mindless, heartless warrior fighting for the sake of shedding blood. Beowulf is judged to be almost super human, a larger than life figure whose sense of justice and innate courage places him above other men. When the author states that Beowulf “had scant regard for the dragon as a threat, no dread at all/ of its courage or strength” (2347-2348), the reader is not surprised that he is the ultimate gallant, princely figure, however grandiose his level of confidence. Throughout the epic poem, Beowulf’s bravery is displayed and unbending; while he clearly conveys other highly-regarded traits, his courage throughout the various battles remains the main focus. Beowulf says that “We must bond together,/ shield and helmet, mail-shirt and sword” (2659-2660). Clearly, his purpose in life is displayed through physical strength and conquest.
Beowulf’s eventual demise, however, reminds the reader that he is also human. He must fight and slay the dragon in order to guarantee the safety of his kingdom. Unlike his other battles, this fight will take place on his own territory; winning this confrontation is his most vital responsibility. The fact that this battle is his third perhaps symbolizes the Holy Trinity; Beowulf has unselfishly sacrificed his own life for the safety of his people. As Beowulf battles the fire-breathing serpent, the author states: “this would be the last of his many labors/ and triumphs in the world” (2710-2711). With the brave Wiglaf as his successor, goodness has ultimately triumphed and chaos and destruction are in the past.
With the role of Beowulf firmly established, the dragon works as a worthy and powerful opponent. The vengeful dragon has unleashed its fury on the kingdom because a jeweled cup from its cave has been stolen. Beowulf and his men (though most cowardly run away when confronted by the beast) are forced to hunt the creature down and permanently rid the kingdom of this terror. According to the text, “The hoard-guard recognized/ a human voice, the time was over/ for peace and parlaying” (2554-2556). The battle rages, as Beowulf pushes himself to his final confrontation. As old tribal concerns of the past and immediate dangers are extinguished, a new future appears possible for the people of the region.
Work Cited
Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2001. Print.
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