Section XXXVII

The narrator describes how Wiglaf, Beowulf's loyal thane, demonstrates courage in defense of his wounded king, striking the dragon despite receiving burns to his hand, exemplifying the duty of a liegeman.

Beowulf, regaining awareness, draws his war-knife and cuts the dragon in the middle; together with Wiglaf, they slay the creature through combined effort.

The narrator notes that this victory represents the final achievement of Beowulf's life, as the dragon's poison wound begins to burn and swell in his body.

The poison from the dragon's wound burns and swells in Beowulf's body, causing intense suffering as he realizes the deadly nature of his injury.

Too weak to stand, Beowulf settles by the wall, contemplating the stonework and architecture of the dragon's earthen hall.

Wiglaf bathes and refreshes Beowulf's face, unbinding his helmet and ministering to the blood-covered king as he rests from battle.

Beowulf acknowledges that his wound is mortal, that he has lived his full span of days, and that death is now imminent.

Beowulf laments that he has no heir to whom he can pass his battle-equipments and kingdom, expressing this as his only sorrow.

Beowulf asserts that he has governed his people for fifty winters without seeking conflict, acting justly, and remaining at home in peace, and therefore can face death without guilt.

Beowulf declares that he need not fear judgment from God for having killed kinsmen, as he has committed no such crime, and this allows him to face death with peace of mind.

Beowulf asks Wiglaf to retrieve the dragon's treasure so that he may gaze upon it before death, believing that the sight of gold will ease his passing and his governance of his people.