Beowulf: Fighting The Dragon

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Battle after battle, Beowulf proved that he was, “the strongest of the Geats - greater / and stronger than anyone anywhere in this world” (195-196). Yet, man has limits, and even Beowulf’s limits were tried and tested. Clearly, his most difficult battle was his last. Fighting the dragon was the most challenging battle Beowulf encountered because Beowulf was far older than his previous battles, the dragon was the most capable fighter of all of Beowulf’s opponents, and Beowulf’s mindset was very different this battle in comparison to his other battles.
In the past Beowulf fought in his prime as a young warrior, but now:
He was old
With years and wisdom, fifty winters
A king, when a dragon awoke from its darkness
And dreams and brought terror …show more content…
The dragon shows its mental capabilities when it attacks under the cover of night and is able to draw Beowulf into his home to fight. Correspondingly, the dragon was significantly bigger than the rest of the enemies Beowulf has faced, standing “From end / To end fifty feet” (3041-3042). Furthermore, the dragon has several attacking and maneuvering abilities. The dragon is able to move by foot and travel in air, making it much more difficult to get an attacking opportunity. Secondly, the scaly beast also could attack in several ways. Both his venomous bite, which ultimately kill Beowulf, and fire breathing ability were murderous. It is quite apparent the Beowulf recognizes that this is his most dangerous opponent because Beowulf would:
“use no sword, no weapon, if this beast
Could be killed without, crushed to death
Like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn
Limb from limb. But his breath will be burning
Hot, poison will pour from his tongue.
I feel no shame, with shield and …show more content…
Beowulf was prepared for war:
But Beowulf’s heart was heavy
His Soul sensed how close fate
Had come, felt something, not fear but knowledge
Of old age. His armor was strong, but his arm
Hung like his heart. Body and soul
Might part, here; his blood might be spilled,
His spirit torn from his flesh (2419-2425).
It is apparent that Beowulf is expecting to die in battle and doesn’t feel as powerful as he once was. This perspective makes the battle the most challenging by far because it causes the battle to become multi-dimensional. Beowulf isn’t only tested physically in this fight, but it is also mentally challenging trying to come to terms with his own death. Ultimately, Beowulf’s last battle also happens to be the most arduous battle he encounters. Internally, Beowulf’s old age and his outlook on the battle hindered his performance. Externally, the dragon’s proficiency in battle made this Beowulf’s most demanding fight. Although Beowulf was able to slay the dragon, these factors all compiled together leading to his death. At Beowulf’s funeral, “the fire / roared… and Beowulf’s body / crumbled and was gone” (3146-3148) but his legacy lived
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