the dragon

Also known as: the serpent / the worm · Role: dragon · First appears: Section XXXI

In Section XXX, a fugitive stole a cup from the dragon’s hoard and carried it to his ruler, who granted his plea for a bond of peace. When the dragon discovered the loss, it flew from the barrow in flames and attacked the people; at hint of dawn it burned the Geatish homes and returned to its hoard. In Section XXXI, after hearing that the dragon had destroyed the stronghold, Beowulf plotted vengeance.

In Section XXXII, Beowulf went with eleven companions to seek the dragon. Their fight continued through Sections XXXIII and XXXIV: Beowulf’s sword failed against it, the dragon attacked him with flames, and though he struck its head, his sword broke. For the third time, the dragon rushed at him and bit his neck, covering him with blood. Wiglaf went to Beowulf’s aid, and in Section XXXV they killed the dragon together: “So had they killed it, kinsmen both, athelings twain”.

In Section XXXVI, Wiglaf saw no trace of the dragon in the hoard, and the poem says Beowulf’s iron blade had brought it to its doom. Section XXXVII tells that both Beowulf and the dragon died after the fight; in Section XXXVIII, the messenger says the dragon mortally wounded Beowulf. In Section XL, the dragon was cast over the wall, and the waves swallowed it.