Beowulf Journals 51-55

51.

Lines 2569-2575 ~ Swaddled in flames, it came gliding and flexing and racing toward its fate…fought and fate denied him glory in battle.

The dragon has been fated to die, but so has Beowulf. This battle was the first time Beowulf would ever ‘lose’. The dragon may get defeated but for the price of Beowulf’s life.

52.

Lines 2583-2586 ~ Beowulf was foiled of a glorious victory. The glittering sword, infallible before that day, failed when he unsheathed it, as it never should have.

The reoccurring motif that weapons don’t work for Beowulf. For whatever reason, when fighting monsters, weapons only hinder Beowulf’s performance.

53.

Lines 2802-2808 ~ Order my troop to construct a barrow…as they steer ships across the wide and shrouded waters.

Beowulf’s final instructions. He orders his troop to build him a barrow by the sea so he will always be remembered. He may have told him to put it on the coast not only to travelers will see it and remember him, but to try and ward off any kings looking to take of Geatland. Seeing the barrow would remind them that Beowulf was a fierce warrior and may have trained others to be as great as he.

54.

Lines 2883-2891 ~ So it is goodbye now to all you know and love on your home ground…A warrior will sooner die than live a life of shame.

Wiglaf predicts that once other princes and kings hear of Beowulf’s death, they will attack Geatland (much like they did to Hrothgar and the Danes). He knows that everything that they associate with home, will be taken from them. Wiglaf also knows that a true warrior would rather die fighting than be a coward. He also points out the fact that the kings and prince obviously have nothing to fear because Beowulf’s best fighters cowered when he really needed them. I think that Wiglaf hopes that but giving the men this speech that they will shape up and defend their county when needed.

55.

Lines 3180-3182 ~ They said that of all the kings upon the earth he was the man most gracious and fair-minded, kindest to his people and keenest to win fame.

Beowulf was a good king and a great warrior. His people respected him because he showed them respect. He was generous when handing out treasure and gold to his warriors.

Beowulf was never interested in gold or being king. All he wanted was fame. His pride led him to his ultimate demise. He decided to go fight the dragon instead of letting his warriors do it.