Beowulf

As I have thought about this, to me it appears that the Dragon represents Beowulf’s way of becoming immortal. Grendal does embody the evils of fratricide and Grendal’s Mother represents “the darkness of blood feud and revenge” they are both labeled as “monsters”. Beowulf was able to overcome these by defeating them. In ancient anglo-saxon culture, humans born with disabilities were classified as “monsters”. Being deformed or marked by disfiguring features was a sign that god had cursed you. In the text it says “on kin of Cain” or decedent of Cain, it shows that Grendal was human and that god had cursed him, as he had cursed Cain. With Grendal and Grendal’s mother both being disfigured forms of humans it makes the slaying of the Dragon so significant. He conquered the impossible in his final act as a King, warrior, and protector.

The progression of the feat’s accomplished by Beowulf continue to build upon each other until the final act. Beginning with the dismembering of Grendal arm as his first heroic deed. Showing forth as a fearless warrior with endless brute strength and also defeating fratricide, a human weakness. Then, the killing of Grendal’s Mother was an amazing feat. Taking in the added difficultly of the battleground being at the bottom of the murky moor or Grendal’s Mother’s home court, essentially losing any upper hand he may have had makes it even more impressive. In the layer at the bottom of the lake, Beowulf used all the resources he had. “On his shoulder lay braided breast-mail, barring death, withstanding entrance of edge or blade, Life would have ended for Ecgtheow's son, under wide earth for that earl of Geats,
had his armor of war not aided him” Beowulf shows his knowledge in battle by using his armor to spare his life till he acquired the Giants sword and was able to slay the monster. He overcomes the next hurdle that had caused many to fall before him, blood feud or revenge. As King he ruled in peace “for many year” or 50 years, displaying his maturity and knowledge. Being able to hold a kingdom in peace for so many years was no small accomplishment.

As Beowulf went forth to do battle with the dragon, he took all the weapons and defense he could. He took a shield made of iron to protect him from the serpent’s fiery breath. He made a battle vow “but fire in this fight I must fear me now, and poisonous breath; so I bring with me breastplate and board.” He knew he was facing any enemy that was like any before. He acknowledges that if this battle were in his youth he would be more confident and he shows respect for the serpent by saying “My mood is bold but forbears to boast o'er this battling-flyer”. In the battle Beowulf is about to be defeated when Wiglaf comes to his aid. This was Wiglafs first battle “For the first time now with his leader-lord the liegeman young was bidden to share the shock of battle.” The future ruler, the only one in Beowulf’s war company to stand his ground, was a young warrior on his first tour of duty with his king. Together they are able to defeat the dragon but not without Beowulf receiving mortal wounds. On Beowulf deathbed he gives Wiglaf specific duty, “Now I've bartered here for booty of treasure the last of my life, so look ye well to the needs of my land!” In Beowulf’s final words he appoints another to protect his people, showing that he is ever mindful of the safety of his people. He also defeats pride, and from the text it seems he has no lack of confidence, by accepting the aid of another, who overall was so much less than him.

Death in battle, in defense of his people and in his final heroic act is a fitting seal to his life’s accomplishments. The dragon was Beowulf’s way of becoming an immortal and showing that he had overcome all that had previously caused others to fall.