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Beowulf

 

As Beowulf lies dying from injuries following a fight against a fire-breathing dragon, he explains to Wiglaf how he wants his funeral to be carried out. During Beowulf's fight with the dragon, Wiglaf is the only one who remains true to his part of the comitatus, the sacred relationship between a king and his men. The men are supposed to dedicate their life to the king under all circumstances. Beowulf wishes for his body to be cremated and tells Wiglaf that he wants "a burial mound/ on the site of his pyre"(3096b-3097a). Before Beowulf dies he gives Wiglaf his helmet and armor, to honor Wiglaf for the courage he displayed in the fighting the dragon.
             Beowulf's people honor him with his funeral. According to Beowulf's own direction his people built a special pyre along the Whale's Cliff, which took ten days to make. Along the pyre lay helmets, battle-boards, and coats of chain mail. Wiglaf returned Beowulf's armor because he felt that he could never live up to the standards set by Beowulf, the best warrior ever. It is also appropriate that Beowulf is buried with his armor, which symbolizes his great military success and valor. The armor that protects Beowulf the warrior in life will also keep him safe in the after life. During the funeral the poet acknowledges a Geatish woman grieving for Beowulf "[she said] that she feared [the attacks of raiders], / many slaughters, the terror of troops, / shame and captivity" (3153a-3155a). The Geatish woman represents the hopelessness that the Geatish commoners feel due to the death of their previously flawless king. The Geatish people are also concerned about the future of the kingdom. The one thing Beowulf did not do for the Geats was to arrange for a predecessor. This leaves the Geats with no one to turn to in a time with which the future of the kingdom is in jeopardy. .
             Scyld and Beowulf are very similar. They both have great strength and courage and both helped the Danes when they were in need.


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