Beowulf · Chapter
XXXIX: The Dead Foes—Wiglaf’s Bitter Taunts explained
Beowulf lies dead from the dragon's venom, and the dragon itself is slain.
What happens
Beowulf lies dead from the dragon's venom, and the dragon itself is slain. Wiglaf, exhausted and grieving, revives the ten cowardly retainers who fled the battle. He bitterly rebukes them for their cowardice, reminding them of the gifts and armor Beowulf had bestowed upon them, and prophesies that their shame will lead to the loss of their lands and rights. Wiglaf declares that death is preferable to a life of infamy.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and Valor
Beowulf's heroic death and Wiglaf's steadfast loyalty contrast with the cowardice of the ten retainers, highlighting the ideal of heroic courage.
Loyalty and Kingship
Wiglaf's rebuke underscores the bond between a lord and his thanes; the cowards' failure to support their king leads to the loss of their rights and the end of gift-giving.
Mortality and Legacy
Both Beowulf and the dragon meet their end; Beowulf's legacy is secured through his heroic deeds, while the cowards face infamy and loss.
Fate and Divine Providence
The narrator states that the 'World-Ruler's power' governs all actions, and Beowulf's victory is attributed to God's permission, reflecting the theme of divine providence.
Characters to notice
- Beowulf
Lies dead after his battle with the dragon; his life is ended and his treasure is paid for with death.
- Wiglaf
The loyal retainer who helped Beowulf slay the dragon; sits exhausted by the king's body and bitterly taunts the cowardly warriors who fled.
- Grendel
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Hrothgar
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Unferth
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Grendel's Mother
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Higelac
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Wealhtheow
Not present in this chapter; no mention.
- Wihstan
Mentioned as the father of Wiglaf (Weohstan).
Key passages
“It had woefully chanced then the youthful retainer To behold on earth the most ardent-belovèd At his life-days’ limit, lying there helpless.”
It was a tragic moment for the young warrior to see his beloved lord lying helpless at the end of his life.
Describes Wiglaf's grief at Beowulf's death.
“The slayer too lay there, of life all bereavèd, Horrible earth-drake, harassed with sorrow”
The dragon, the terrible earth-drake, also lay dead, deprived of life and tormented.
The dragon is also slain, its reign over the treasure ended.
“He who soothness will utter Can say that the liegelord who gave you the jewels, The ornament-armor wherein ye are standing, ... That he wildly wasted his war-gear undoubtedly When battle o’ertook him.”
Anyone who speaks the truth can say that the lord who gave you those jewels and armor wasted his gifts on you, because you failed him in battle.
Wiglaf accuses the cowards of being unworthy of Beowulf's generosity.
“Death is more pleasant To every earlman than infamous life is!”
For any noble warrior, death is better than a life of shame.
Wiglaf concludes his rebuke by stating that dying honorably is preferable to living in disgrace.
