Section XXXV
Beowulf's memories of his family continue; he then boldly advances against the dragon.
23 argumentative units
- 01Hrethel's grief over Herebald's death
Hrethel grieves for his son Herebald and, unable to exact vengeance on his killer, abandons joy and relinquishes his lands to his sons before dying.
- 02Conflict between Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death
Following Hrethel's death, enmity erupts between the Swedes and Geats, with Ongentheow's sons launching brutal attacks around Hreosna-beorh.
- 03Hæthcyn's death at Ravenswood
Beowulf recounts how his kinsman avenged the feud, though the struggle proved fatal to Hæthcyn, lord of the Geats, when Ongentheow slew him in combat.
- 04Beowulf's requital of Hrethel's gifts through loyal service
Beowulf declares he repaid Hrethel's gifts of land and treasure through unwavering military service and loyalty, always fighting in the vanguard.
- 05Beowulf's slaying of Dæghrefn without weapon
Beowulf recounts how he killed Dæghrefn, a Frisian knight, using wrestling rather than a weapon, preventing him from bringing spoils to his king.
- 06Beowulf's boast of youthful prowess and present fearlessness
Beowulf declares he has fought countless battles in youth and remains willing to seek glory and perform heroic deeds as his people's guardian.
- 07Beowulf's final address to his companions
Beowulf bids farewell to his trusted followers and explains his decision to face the dragon without a blade, relying instead on his skill in wrestling.
- 08Beowulf's expectations regarding the dragon battle
Beowulf expects intense fire and flame in the coming battle and thus wears armor and shield, refusing to retreat from the dragon's lair.
- 09Beowulf invokes Fate to decide the outcome
Beowulf commits the battle's outcome to Fate and divine will, expressing his readiness to face his destiny.
- 10Beowulf commands his men to remain and wait
Beowulf orders his companions to wait in armor while he alone measures his strength against the monster, as only he can undertake this feat.
- 11Beowulf advances toward the dragon's lair
The mighty Beowulf rises, takes up his shield, and advances alone toward the barrow, relying solely on his own strength.
- 12Description of the dragon's lair and surrounding terrain
The text describes the barrow's location with stone arches and a brook fuming with dragon-fire, creating a perilous environment impossible to approach without burning.
- 13Beowulf calls out to challenge the dragon
Beowulf, seized by fury, shouts under the stone arches with his battle-clear voice, challenging the dragon from afar.
- 14The dragon responds to Beowulf's challenge
The dragon recognizes human speech from the barrow and emerges, knowing the time for friendship has passed, breathing vaporous war-sweat.
- 15The combat between Beowulf and the dragon commences
Beowulf raises his shield against the dragon while the creature readies itself for struggle, both prepared for conflict.
- 16Beowulf brandishes his ancient sword
Beowulf wields his ancient, sharp-edged heirloom sword, striking terror into both himself and the dragon as mutual dread grips them.
- 17The dragon coils and breathes fire at Beowulf
The dragon rapidly coils itself and charges forward in blazes, protected by its corslet, while Beowulf's shield initially protects him but only briefly.
- 18Beowulf's sword fails to penetrate the dragon's hide
Despite Beowulf's powerful sword strike, the blade weakens upon the dragon's bone and bites feebly, denying Beowulf the quick victory he needs.
- 19The dragon rages in response and Beowulf's sword fails completely
Enraged by the sword-blow, the dragon unleashes furious flames, while Beowulf's battle-sword fails him entirely, a weapon he had long trusted.
- 20Beowulf faces the grim necessity of prolonging the fight
With his sword failing, Beowulf must continue fighting the dragon in its lair or forfeit his life, as he cannot simply leave the barrow.
- 21The combat is renewed as the dragon takes renewed heart
The dragon, emboldened, renews the assault, while Beowulf, surrounded by fire and suffering greatly, faces the dragon alone in his renewed fury.
- 22Beowulf's companions abandon him and flee to the forest
Unlike true loyal followers, Beowulf's comrades lack the courage to stand with him and flee to the forest seeking safety.
- 23Philosophical statement on the nature of kinship loyalty
The text asserts that kinship love can never waver in one who truly understands its nature, contrasting the comrades' flight with true familial devotion.