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Beowulf - The Final Scene

Fifty winters have passed since Beowulf first started ruling over the Geats. No tribe has ever tried to attack them because Beowulf is known as the greatest fighter throughout the land. Beowulf has heard of a dragon that has started to destroy lands and kill many peasants across the lands. Now the dragon is approaching the Geatish lands, and Beowulf must once again protect his nation. It has been long since Beowulf had battled such a fierce monster, the last having been broken by Beowulf’s bare hands. It is time once again for Beowulf to fight for fame, but this time there is an incredible amount of treasure just waiting to be seized. Just like all lords do, Beowulf takes the best of his men to help him fight the fire-breathing dragon.

Throughout the poem, people live and die through a relationship between lords and their thanes known as comitatus. For many, comitatus is the most important aspect of their lives. Thanes are willing to give up their lives just to make sure that they fulfill their part of the comitatus. Even the great Beowulf does not fulfill his comitatus because Hygelac is killed. Beowulf let Hygelac die before himself, and that breaks the comitatus. We see a similar situation later on in the

Beowulf and Wiglaf share more in common then is told. Wiglaf’s father made a very similar journey like Beowulf’s father Ecgtheow. They both killed a man and had to flee from their homes because they could no longer live there safely. Beowulf and Wiglaf kill the dragon together, further signifying their relationship. Wiglaf is also wielding a sword that has been passed down to him. The courageous warrior gets to lead the nation, just as Beowulf had. Like father to son, the leadership changes hands. Both Beowulf and Wiglaf have a sword that has been passed down. Beowulf’s sword breaks in half, also signifying that his reign is coming to an end, while Wiglaf’s sword gives the dragon a punishing blow. Beowulf does however get the final blow as a true champion always does.

After Beowulf kills the dragon he feels the poison in his neck where the dragon bit him. Beowulf then says “Go now in haste, that I may see the golden goods, have one full look at the brilliant gems, that by its wealth I may more easily give up my life and the dear kingdom that I have ruled long” (2747-2751). Beowulf once again shows that he cares for the fame, and he wants to see the treasure that he earned and the treasure that will be laid to rest at his grave.

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