... up his life by fighting the dragon that hoards the precious Jewels. The dragon serves a purpose of being the opposite of a generous king, keeping the treasure in his possession. This representation of the dragon hoarding this treasure gives more of a moral significance in a sense rather than just a selfish meaning. James W. Earl exemplifies the way in which this is true by stating, " ... worldly achievement in general, cannot secure a culture against its inevitable decay," (Earl p 1). As he opens up this topic, he elaborates of a meaning of what the power of hoarding the treasure ho...

• Word Count: 1577
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... ;prowler" in this case is human. Some argue that the dragon deserves no sympathy, since he is a "hoard-guardian". Treasure is never meant to be collected for ones own gain, therefore "no one who hoards treasure will find sympathy" (99). Yet if the dragon is indeed "clearly an animal: it acts by nature, not by intelligent ... thought" and its "chief trait is its fond attachment to its treasure, almost an obsession," then can one really blame am animal acting through instinct and purpose? While the monsters of the poem are the antagonists of the poem, the author ... ...

• Word Count: 1275
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... included in the select few heroes' like Beowulf. Although Wiglaf had never been in battle before, he showed wisdom and bravery. 16. The Geats most likely decide to bury the treasure with Beowulf because the warriors are ashamed about how they "abandoned their loyal King when he needed them most." The narrator explains how "the battle-dodgers abandoned the wood,the ... who had let down their lord earilir,the tail-turners,ten of them together. "By destroying the treasures it shows how the Geats do not feel worthy of a great reward. Treasure was given upon someone doing a good deed. Not on...

• Word Count: 2142
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

... and death wherever he travels, The reason for the dragon's fury is that a slave of one of Beowulf's lords had discovered the cavern, which the dragon had been guarding, with a treasure inside and stolen a cup to bring back to his lord. Taking up his responsibility to protect his people, Beowulf heads off to kill the creature, accepting armor and a sword to ... the dragon, but at the expense of a mortal wound to Beowulf. Keeping to the wishes of his king, Wiglaf rushes into the lair to gather the finest of the dragon's treasure hoard so that Beowulf might die in all the glory he has earn...

• Word Count: 1462
• Approx Pages: 6

... , symbolizing the death of Christ and his stay in hell. Beowulf, having lain down his life for the defense of his people and having thanked God for winning the dragon's treasure for their use, suggests the figure of Christ. Donahue suggests that both Christ and Beowulf are martyrs for their people. They each gave up their lives to save the people ... ...

• Word Count: 1694
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... to the gift-throne / fetched to her king the first ale-cup" (ll. 612-6). Wealhtheow then proceeds through the meadhall "offering hall-joy to old and to young / with rich treasure-cups" (ll. 621-2). When Wealhtheow first approaches Beowulf and the Geats, she "bore him a cup / with gold-gleaming hands held it before him / graciously greeted the Geats' warleader" (ll. 623 ... ...

• Word Count: 1587
• Approx Pages: 6

... is little that is known about the dragon, except that he is evil, and that he has not descended from Cain. The Dragon was placed guardian of a great deal of treasure, left by the forgotten people, when he was awakened by a runaway servant who stole a callous, as a peace offering to his master. The battle with the Dragon takes place many years ... ...

• Word Count: 2051
• Approx Pages: 8