Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney

Transcription

1 Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney Part III: The Dragon Beowulf returns home to Geatland, victorious. Years pass, fights many battles, becomes king, and rules well through many years. However, now an old man, Beowulf is called upon to fight one last battle, to defend his people against the most fearsome monster he has faced yet The Dragon Wakes Lines Beowulf has returned home. We learn that his king, Hygelac, died in battle, and Beowulf became king of the Geats. He was a good king, ruling fairly, rightously and peacefully for fifty years.

2 Lines A dragon is awoken. An unnamed thief (we learn that he is an escaped slave, on the run and desperate) found a hidden passage into the dragon s lair and stole a goblet. He did not mean to unleash the dragon s wrath, but rather acted out of panic and terror, but it is enough to drive the dragon into a wild rage. Lines This passage describes how the dragon came by this treasure. It is the wealth of a an ancient highborn race, which had long since died out. The last member of this race was entrusted with the treasure and buried it in a barrow (mound of earth). Lines This passage describes dragons. They hunt out buried treasure, and this dragon has protected his hoard for three hundred years. We are told that the slave who stole the cup took it back to his master in order to ask forgiveness. Lines The dragon awakens, realises the cup is gone, and sees the footprints of the thief. His is enraged, and whips himself into an ever greater fury as he thinks about battle and revenge, until he bursts forth in a fiery blaze. Lines The dragon attacks farms and homesteads, leaving nothing alive. He would fly out each night, destroying with fire, and then return to his burrow during the day.

3 Lines Beowulf is given the news of the dragon s attack. The very throne-room of the Geats has been destroyed. Beowulf is distraught. The forts have all been destroyed. Beowulf must plan his revenge. In lines , we are told that, for both Beowulf and the dragon, this would be the end of their days. Ignore Lines : this is all just unnecessary backstory. Cut it out of your final story. Lines Beowulf takes eleven men to gain information about the dragon. Another man the one who stole the cup joins them, and Beowulf forces him to lead them to the dragon s burrow. Lines Beowulf senses that his death is near. He tells of how his father, Hrothgar, became king. The predecessor, Hrethel, always treated Beowulf as a son, though he was not a direct relative. However, Hrethel was befallen by tragedy: Hrethel s youngest son, Herebeald, accidentally shot his eldest son, Haethcyn, when he arrow an arrow too wide. Normally this would require vengene, but King Hrethel could do nothing, as the killer was also his own son. Unable to act, Hrethel succumbs to his grief. Hyglec became king when Haethcyn was slain in battle against the Geats enemies, the Swedes. Beowulf then raised up through the ranks, his reputation growing, earning glory through battle, and being awarded land and treasure for his achievements, until he became king.

4 Beowulf Fights the Dragon Lines Beowulf makes his last boast: he will fight the dragon. Beowulf recalls how he fought Grendel without weapon or armour, but, in recognition of the power of his new enemy, he wears his armour and takes a shield and sword. He orders his men to stay outside the barrow, telling them that this fight is his alone. He gathers his shield, fits his helmet, and enters the tunnel under the crag. Lines Beowulf enters. He calls out, challenging the dragon. The dragon emerges. The fight begins: the dragon attacks Beowulf with fire and claw, while Beowulf stand his ground behind his tall shield, lashing out with his sword. They are both filled with fury, and both strike terror in each other. Lines Beowulf takes cover behind his shield against the dragon s fire. However, the shield cannot stand up to the dragon s onslaught, and we are told that this will be the first time Beowulf fights and fate denies him glory in battle. He attacks the dragon s scales, but he can barely cut through. His sword is failing him. The dragon pushes Beowulf back.

5 Lines Sensing his advantage, the dragon attacks, and Beowulf and the dragon clash again. Beowulf is in trouble. His men break ranks and flee for the woods; he is abandoned by all except one: Wiglaf. Seeing his lord in peril, and remembering everything that Beowulf had done for him and his people, the young warrior realises that he must defend Beowulf. Lines Wiglaf is a young soldier, and this will be his first time in combat. He draws his blade an ancestral blade with a rich history and turns back to his fleeing comrades. He gives an inspiring speech, challenging them to recall their promises, remember the gifts that have been granted to them, to remember that they were chosen to come here because they were the bravest soldiers, and to recall how much Beowulf has given for his people. He calls on them to now fight for Beowulf. Lines Wiglaf joins the battle and fights by Beowulf s side. The dragon attacks with even greater fury. They both take shelter behind Beowulf s great shield (Wiglaf s soon shattered and turned to sparks and ashes). Inspired by Wiglaf s words and the thought of glory, he throws all his strength in a great sword stroke at the dragon s skill. His sword (Naegling) snaps, and the dragon is unhurt. It attacks again, catching Beowulf with its fire and closing its fangs around Beowulf s neck. Beowulf is gravely injured, blood welling from his wounds.

6 Lines Wiglaf sees Beowulf s peril and, realising that the beast was weaker away from its head, attacks the dragon s belly. He thrusts his sword in, and the flames die down. Beowulf escapes from its jaws, draws his dagger, and sinks it deep into the dragon s side. The dragon is finally killed. Lines Beowulf has been mortally wounded. His wounds burn and swell, and he stumbles to a seat on the nearby wall. Wiglaf washes Beowulf s wounds, but it is no good there is poison in his blood. Beowulf knows he is about to die. Beowulf speaks, telling us that his passing is made easier by the fact that he ruled well, that he ruled in peace, he never started feuds and never lied. He asks Wiglaf to bring his some of the treasure, so that he may see it before he dies. Wiglaf goes into the dragon s lair and finds the treasure it is astounding and bring back an armful. He returns and shows it to Beowulf, who is now bleeding profusely. Lines Beowulf gives orders for his burial and utters his last words. He says that Wiglaf will be the last of his highborn clan, and that Beowulf must now go and join his ancestors. This is the passing of an age. Beowulf s Funeral The soldiers who deserted Beowulf return, ashamed, from the forest to find Wiglaf trying to revive the dead king with water. Wiglaf condemns them for their cowardice. More than that, he foretells the end of the Geats, because when their enemies who have left them alone for so long (out of fear of Beowulf s might and power) hear that Beowulf has died, and, moreover, that his thanes all abandoned him in battle, they will return and attack. Amid great sadness, Beowulf s funeral is held. On a headland, a great burial mound is built over his body, and he is remembered as one of fairest and greatest king who ever ruled.