LRJ3: Beowulf Values, Differences, and his Honorable Death in, "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon"

In, "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon," the value of pride and strength is reinforced by the actions of Beowulf. Even in his old age he is more than willing to fight the fire-breathing dragon on his own. He explains his emotions, "'I risked my life often when I was young. Now I am old, but as king of the people I shall pursue this fight for the glory of winning..." (Heaney lines 2511-2515). Beowulf is more concerned with winning on his own,and maybe dying, rather than fighting amongst his people and winning victoriously. In lines 2545-2547 this emotion is described: "Yet the Prince of the rings was too proud to line up with a large army against the sky-plague" (Heaney ). Beowulf's pride is represented through his strength. His decision to fight alone is a very important value to the Anglo-Saxons.


There are several differences between "The Battle with the Fire-Breathing Dragon" and other sections of Beowulf. The section shows Beowulf in an almost defenseless state, which had never been represented in the previous readings. In the battle against the dragon this is revealed: "...in spite of his wounds, mortal wounds, he still spoke for he well knew his days in the world had been lived out to the end: his allotted time was drawing to a close, death was very near." (Heaney lines 2724-2728). Beowulf knew he was going to die, and was willing to admit it. His exposed self is once again described in lines 2331-2333, "his mind was in turmoil, unaccustomed anxiety and gloom confused his brain" (Heaney). In this section, Beowulf is given almost human-like qualities to represent the state of mind he was in before his death, giving this section more meaning than the others. His vulnerable self is revealed throughout the entire text, its purpose to allow the reader to relate themselves to Beowulf.


The circumstances of Beowulf's death would be considered honorable and fitting for a hero of that era. The people living during this time believed that the most noble and honorable way to die was in battle. This was the main reason that Beowulf decided fight against the fire-breathing dragon in the first place. He knew that he was going to die soon because he was old and his death could be gratified if he were to die as a proud warrior. The quote "...the king gathered his strength and drew a stabbing knife he carried on his belt, sharpened for battle. He stuck it deep into the dragon's flank. Beowulf dealt it a deadly would" (Heaney lines 2702-2705), shows how Beowulf conjured up strength to kill the evil monster. Then he comes to the realization that he is being poisoned: "...Beowulf discovered deadly poison suppurating inside him, surges of nausea, and so, in his wisdom, the prince realized his state..." (Heaney lines 2714-2717). With pride and wisdom, Beowulf allows his death to greet him, open-armed and unafraid.