Beowulf LRJ#3

Alex O'Brien
Ms. Peifer
Hour 5 10 IB
10 December 2008

In this section of Beowulf the value of loyalty can be seen often. Loyalty is one of the strongest ideas in the story of Beowulf, valued by everyone from Beowulf to the common man. “Your deeds are famous, so stay resolute, my lord defend your life now with the whole of your strength. I shall stand by you.” (Heaney 2666 – 2668) This is a quote from a soldier of Beowulf’s; he is confirming his allegiance, showing how loyal he is before such a great battle. Beowulf’s great heroism brings forth the loyalty in his people. Beowulf too shows signs of the deep-seated value. “You are the last of us, the only one left of the Waegmundings. Fate swept us away, sent my whole brave high born clan to their final doom.” (Heaney 2813 – 2816) This shows Beowulf in his final moments using his last breath to show his enduring faithfulness to his people, the Waegmundings.

There are many differences in "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" which separates it significantly from the others. This section reveals a side of Beowulf previously unseen, a side with weakness. “His home, the best of buildings, had been burnt to cinder” (Heaney 2325 – 2326) The dragon has destroyed Beowulf’s town and home. Something that would have never happened to the Beowulf I remember from the first two sections. This dragon is exposing his soft under belly. "His mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney 2331 – 2333) Here Beowulf is shown experiencing the hindrances that come with defeat. Beowulf struggles though out the whole section and ultimately dies. However in this section Beowulf shows traits more regularly seen from a common man, such as dismay and fear. His power is not as awesome as it once was; this is done to allow one to relate to Beowulf most in his time of lamentation.

Even though Beowulf’s final battle with the dragon causes his death it would most definitely be considered an honorable and fitting end for a hero. "... I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die." (Heaney 2795-2798) It is a very honorable thing, to die in battle. One of the things that made his dying so noble is that he deceased in battle while saving people. One can’t think of a more dignified way to perish. Beowulf was a true hero and he died like one.