Beowulf, Part 6--"Beowulf's Last Battle"

Brook Brayman

14 Mar 201406:45

Summary

TLDRIn the land of the Geats, Beowulf, now an old king, faces his final battle against a dragon guarding a treasure. Despite his age, he bravely confronts the beast, armed with only his shield. His sword fails him, and as he faces death, his loyal follower Wiglaf remains by his side, ready to fight. The script highlights themes of heroism, loyalty, and the inevitable decline of even the greatest warriors.

Takeaways

🐉 The story revolves around Beowulf's final battle against a dragon guarding a treasure.
🔥 The dragon is awakened by a thief who steals a cup from its treasure hoard.
🏰 Beowulf, now an old king of the Geats, decides to face the dragon despite his age.
🗡️ Beowulf boasts of his past battles and declares his intention to fight the dragon without a sword.
🛡️ He prepares for the battle with his shield and armor, showing no fear.
🔥 The dragon's fiery breath is so intense that it melts Beowulf's shield.
⚔️ Beowulf's sword, which had served him well in the past, breaks during the fight with the dragon.
🐉 Despite his weapon failing him, Beowulf continues to fight bravely against the dragon.
🏃 His followers flee in fear, leaving Beowulf to face the dragon alone.
💪 Wiglaf, one of Beowulf's relatives, stays behind to aid him in the battle, showing loyalty and courage.
🔥 Wiglaf recalls the promises made to Beowulf and decides to help him, despite the overwhelming odds.

Q & A

Who is the main character in the script?
-The main character in the script is Beowulf, also referred to as 'bolf' in the transcript.
What significant event marks the beginning of peace in the land of the Danes?
-The beginning of peace in the land of the Danes is marked by Beowulf's last battle with Grendel's Mother.
What happens to Beowulf's family before he becomes king?
-Beowulf's Uncle and Cousin die, which leads to him becoming the king of the Geats.
How long does Beowulf rule as king of the Geats?
-Beowulf rules in peace and prosperity for 50 years.
What disturbs the fire-breathing dragon and starts the conflict?
-A thief enters the treasure tower and steals a cup, which disturbs the dragon.
How does Beowulf describe his past experiences before facing the dragon?
-Beowulf describes his past as one filled with endless battles and asserts that despite his age, he is still willing to fight for fame.
What is Beowulf's strategy for fighting the dragon?
-Beowulf plans to fight the dragon without a sword, hoping to crush it to death as he did with Grendel.
What is the significance of Wiglaf's decision to stay and help Beowulf?
-Wiglaf's decision to stay signifies loyalty and kinship, as he is the only one who does not flee and instead chooses to help his king.
What does Beowulf's failure with the sword symbolize?
-Beowulf's failure with the sword symbolizes the end of his era of glory and the beginning of his final battle.
How does the dragon's attack affect Beowulf?
-The dragon's attack causes Beowulf to suffer as he is wrapped in swirling flames, marking a stark contrast to his previous victories.
What does Wiglaf remember as he decides to help Beowulf?
-Wiglaf remembers the feasts in the mead hall where they all boasted of their bravery and swore to repay Beowulf's kindness with their lives if needed.