# XXXVI: Wiglaf the Trusty—Beowulf Is Deserted by Friends and by Sword explained — Beowulf

> Chapter companion for Beowulf by Anonymous.

## What happens

Wiglaf, the son of Weohstan, proves his loyalty by aiding Beowulf against the dragon after the other warriors flee. He recalls their oaths to their lord and urges his comrades to fight. Wiglaf joins Beowulf in battle, but Beowulf's sword Naegling fails him, and the dragon wounds Beowulf grievously.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Kingship

Wiglaf's unwavering loyalty to Beowulf contrasts with the desertion of the other warriors, highlighting the ideal of a retainer's duty to his lord.

### Heroism and Valor

Wiglaf's courage in facing the dragon and his exhortation to fight despite the danger exemplify heroic valor.

### Mortality and Legacy

Beowulf's failing sword and mortal wound underscore the theme of mortality, while Wiglaf's actions aim to preserve his lord's legacy.

## Character check-ins

### Wiglaf

The loyal retainer who remembers his oath and comes to Beowulf's aid, urging the other warriors to fight.

### Beowulf

The aged king fighting the dragon; his sword Naegling shatters in battle, and he is severely wounded.

### Wihstan

Father of Wiglaf, who slew Eanmund and later passed the war-gear to his son.

### Eofor

Mentioned indirectly as part of the Waegmunding lineage; Wiglaf is described as a prince of the Scylfings and kinsman of Aelfhere.

## Key lines

> I remember the time when, tasting the mead-cup, We promised in the hall the lord of us all Who gave us these ring-treasures, that this battle-equipment, Swords and helmets, we'd certainly quite him, Should need of such aid ever befall him

Wiglaf reminds his fellow warriors of the oath they swore in the mead-hall to repay their lord's generosity by fighting for him if ever he needed them.

_Wiglaf's speech reinforces the comitatus bond and the expectation of reciprocal loyalty._

> Naegling was shivered, the old and iron-made Brand of Beowulf in battle deceived him.

Beowulf's ancient sword Naegling broke during the fight, failing him when he needed it most.

_The shattering of Naegling symbolizes the limits of human strength and the onset of Beowulf's doom._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters/xxxvi-wiglaf-the-trusty-beowulf-is-deserted-by-friends-and-by-sword
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beowulf_se/chapters