Section XLII
Wiglaf directs the building of a funeral pyre and the carrying of the dragon's hoard.
15 argumentative units
- 01Curse on whoever ravages the burial mound
The passage establishes that folk-leaders cursed anyone who would desecrate the dragon's burial place, condemning them to hell-bonds and plagues for their ill-deeds.
- 02Beowulf preferred God's favor to gold
The narrator notes that despite the treasure, Beowulf cared not for gold but rather preferred to gain the Wielder's (God's) favor.
- 03Wiglaf laments the warriors' sorrow at Beowulf's fate
Wiglaf addresses his comrades, noting that many must suffer sorrow on account of one man, as they have experienced through Beowulf's decision to fight the gold-hoard guardian.
- 04Wiglaf reproaches the warriors for not preventing Beowulf's quest
Wiglaf criticizes the comrades for failing to persuade their beloved lord to avoid the dragon and let it remain undisturbed until the end of the world.
- 05The hard fate of viewing and gaining the hoard
Wiglaf laments that the grievous fate drew the prince to the hoard, which they were forced to view and claim at great cost.
- 06Wiglaf's personal witness to the hoard inside the mound
Wiglaf testifies that he was present and saw the hoard's contents, gaining unkind access to the earth-wall chamber.
- 07Wiglaf carried forth treasures to the dying Beowulf
Wiglaf seized heavy hoard-treasures and brought them out to his beloved lord, who was still conscious and able to speak.
- 08Beowulf's deathbed command to build a great barrow
The dying Beowulf commands his warriors to build a lofty, far-famous burial-barrow in his honor, commemorating his greatness and wealth.
- 09Beowulf urges haste in gathering the treasure and building his bier
Beowulf exhorts his warriors to quickly view the hidden hoard, bring abundant gold and ring-gems, fashion the bier, and prepare to inter him under the Wielder's protection.
- 10Wiglaf orders the building of a funeral pyre
Wiglaf, as the mood-valiant leader, commands distant lords and leaders of men to bring wood for Beowulf's pyre.
- 11Wiglaf eulogizes Beowulf as the fire will consume him
Wiglaf describes how the flame will consume the warrior-leader who endured storms of arrows and battles, celebrating his prowess in warfare.
- 12Wiglaf selects seven thanes to enter the dragon's den
Wiglaf summons the best of the warriors and takes seven companions with him to enter the enemy's lair, bearing a torch.
- 13No quarrel arose over dividing the uncared-for hoard
When the warriors discovered the neglected hoard lying in the cavern, they felt little regret in hastily removing the precious jewels without contention.
- 14The dragon's body is cast into the sea
The warriors push the dragon's body over the cliff wall, allowing the sea currents to carry away the hoard's guardian.
- 15The treasure is loaded onto a wagon and transported
The immense quantity of gold is loaded onto a wagon, and Beowulf's aged body is carried to Whale's-Ness for final disposal.