XXXVII: The Fatal Struggle—Beowulf’s Last Moments explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Heroism and Valor

  Beowulf's final battle and Wiglaf's courageous aid exemplify the heroic code of facing death with bravery.

• Mortality and Legacy

  Beowulf confronts his own mortality, reflecting on his reign and the legacy of his deeds as he prepares for death.

• Loyalty and Kingship

  Wiglaf's loyalty to his king and Beowulf's just rule highlight the bonds of kinship and good governance.

Characters to notice

• Beowulf

  Mortally wounded by the dragon, he reflects on his fifty-year reign and his integrity, then asks to see the treasure before death.

• Wiglaf

  The loyal thane who aids Beowulf in the fatal struggle, succoring his kinsman and later tending to his wounds.

Key passages

• “Then I heard that at need of the king of the people The upstanding earlman exhibited prowess, Vigor and courage, as suited his nature”

  I heard that when the king needed him, the loyal thane showed great skill and courage, as was his nature.

  Describes Wiglaf's heroic assistance to Beowulf.

• “The wound then began Which the earth-dwelling dragon erstwhile had wrought him To burn and to swell.”

  The wound from the dragon began to burn and swell.

  Beowulf's fatal injury from the dragon.

• “My son I would give now my battle-equipments, Had any of heirs been after me granted, Along of my body.”

  I would give my armor to my son if I had one to inherit it.

  Beowulf laments having no heir.

• “This people I governed Fifty of winters: no king ’mong my neighbors Dared to encounter me with comrades-in-battle, Try me with terror.”

  I ruled this people for fifty winters, and no neighboring king dared to fight me.

  Beowulf reflects on his peaceful and strong reign.

• “Fare thou with haste now To behold the hoard ’neath the hoar-grayish stone, Well-lovèd Wiglaf, now the worm is a-lying, Sore-wounded sleepeth, disseized of his treasure.”

  Go quickly, beloved Wiglaf, to see the treasure under the gray stone, now that the dragon lies wounded and asleep, deprived of his hoard.

  Beowulf asks Wiglaf to fetch the treasure so he can see it before dying.