Section XXXVI

The narrator introduces Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, as a precious shield-warrior and prince of the Scylfings, establishing him as the ideal Teutonic feudal vassal who remains loyal when others flee.

Wiglaf remembers the wealth and folk-rights that Beowulf had given to him through his father, motivating his sense of obligation to repay this generosity.

The narrator traces the history of Wiglaf's weapon through his family lineage, explaining how it came from Onela through his father Weohstan, who obtained it after slaying Eanmund.

The narrator explains how Wiglaf's father held these treasures—the sword and armor—until his son came of age to accomplish deeds of fame like his father before him.

The narrator notes that this dragon battle marks the first occasion when the youthful Wiglaf can aid his lord in combat, and his spirit proves undaunted.

Wiglaf speaks to his fellows with sorrow in his spirit, appealing to their honor and their sworn oath to their lord.

Wiglaf recounts the promise they made in the hall while drinking mead—that they would repay Beowulf's generosity with their weapons and armor if he ever needed their aid.

Wiglaf argues that Beowulf chose them as trustworthy spearmen and helm-bearers for this very journey, yet by failing to aid him now they betray his confidence.

Wiglaf declares that the time has come when the ruler of earthmen needs the vigor of valiant heroes, and they must go to aid him while the fire-fight rages.

Wiglaf declares that he would prefer the dragon's fire to consume him along with his treasure-bestower rather than return home without fulfilling his duty.

Wiglaf insists that they must defeat the foe or defend their prince's life, and that the brand, helmet, shield, and armor should be common to them both in shared fate.

Wiglaf urges Beowulf to perform fully on his promise made in youth that he would not allow his honor to be lessened while he lived.

The narrator describes the dragon's second fierce assault, raging with wild mood and seeking its enemies with hot-gleaming fire-waves that burn the shield-boards to their edges.

The fight-armor fails to protect the youthful spear-hero, whose own shield has been consumed by fire, forcing him to shelter under Beowulf's war-target.

The warrior-king, mindful of glory, strikes the dragon with his battle-sword so forcefully that it becomes lodged in the dragon's head.

Beowulf's ancient iron sword Nægling breaks in the battle, a failure attributed to his hand being too mighty—no weapon can match the strength of his stroke.

The fire-drake launches its third fierce charge, seizing Beowulf by the neck with bitter teeth and wounding him gravely so that his blood flows in waves.