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Confronting The Dragon In Beowulf

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Sacrificing his life for his people, Beowulf proved in his triumph over the dragon his legacy and hero status would resound forever within the Norse community. I do support the idea of confronting the dragon differently, but I insist Beowulf wisely decided to encounter the dragon. Since Beowulf lost his life as a result of the clash, questions arise when evaluating his preparation to battle the dragon. However, the conflict proved inevitable and necessary. Honoring his family and nation, Beowulf stood up to the dragon with valor and never needed to consider avoiding the burdensome task. Since Beowulf lost his life in the battle, the statement presents a compelling argument for the opinion Beowulf insufficiently planned to battle the dragon. During the build up to the fatal battle the author writes, “Yet the prince of the rings was too proud to line up with a large army against the sky-plague. He had scant regard for the dragon as a threat” (Heaney, 2345-2348). Exhibiting Beowulf’s immense courage, the …show more content…

Similar to Hrothgar finding someone to protect his people by defeating Grendel, as the hero of the Geats, Beowulf knew he needed to protect his people. However, unlike Hrothgar, although age and weakness developed in Beowulf, he still maintained ample strength and spryness to encounter the dragon. Concerning his family’s reputation, Beowulf says, “My father was a famous man, / A noble warrior name Ecgtheow. / He outlasted many a long winter / And went on his way. All over the world / Wise men in council continue to remember him” (Heaney, 262-266). Beowulf makes it clear since he descended from great warriors and Geatish kings, his responsibility to face the dragon overwhelmed all reasons to avoid conflict. To fulfill his responsibility to the Geats and maintain his family reputation, Beowulf fought his enemy despite his diminishing

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