Section XXXIII
Beowulf, though aged, determines to fight the dragon despite his advancing years.
13 argumentative units
- 01The dragon's destructive rampage
The dragon emerges from its barrow and sets fire to the surrounding land, destroying Beowulf's homestead and terrorizing the Geatish people with its fire and fury.
- 02Beowulf learns of the attack on his homeland
News of the dragon's havoc reaches Beowulf, and he learns that his greatest hall and gift-seat has been destroyed by fire.
- 03Beowulf interprets the attack as divine punishment
Beowulf believes he has angered the Lord by violating ancient commandments, and this calamity is retribution for his sins.
- 04Beowulf orders an iron shield to be forged
Recognizing that wood cannot protect against dragon fire, Beowulf commands his warriors to craft a shield of iron for the coming battle.
- 05Beowulf resolves to fight the dragon alone
Despite his advanced age, Beowulf disdains requesting a large war-band and determines to face the dragon with minimal fear or hesitation.
- 06Reference to Beowulf's earlier triumph over Grendel
The narrator recalls how Beowulf previously cleansed Hrothgar's palace by defeating Grendel and his kinsmen in battle.
- 07Beowulf's experience in the death of King Higelac
The text recounts how Beowulf demonstrated extraordinary strength and valor when King Higelac was slain in Frisian lands, swimming home with thirty sets of armor.
- 08The Hetwars' unsuccessful assault on Beowulf
The Hetwars who confronted Beowulf at sea had no reason to boast, as few of their warriors returned from the encounter with the battle-knight.
- 09Beowulf's return and inheritance of the Geatish throne
After swimming home alone, Beowulf was offered the kingdom and treasure by Queen Hygd, who doubted her young son's ability to rule.
- 10Hygd's distrust of young Heardred's capacity to rule
Queen Hygd feared that her son Heardred lacked the strength to defend the kingdom against foreign threats after Higelac's death.
- 11Beowulf's tactful service as regent to young Heardred
Rather than seizing power, Beowulf graciously supported the young king with wise counsel and honor until Heardred came of age.
- 12The arrival of Swedish exile princes seeking refuge
Wide-fleeing outlaws, the sons of Ohthere, fled the Swedish kingdom to seek aid from the Geats against their brother Eadgils.
- 13Heardred's death and Beowulf's ascension to full kingship
Heardred was slain by the sword, and Beowulf subsequently took full control of the Geatish kingdom and proved to be a good ruler.