Beowulf: "Beowulf's Last Battle"

Today, during our reading of Beowulf, we noticed a few important points. You can read yourself at the online version HERE to get caught up as necessary.

• Beowulf is getting more humble with age. He is acknowledging that he is not as fierce as he was in his youth.
• Beowulf's tone is considerably less cocky than it was in his youth. He acknowledges that he is the only one strong enough to fight the dragon and will do it alone, but he is not certain he can win. 
• While fighting the dragon, Beowulf's sword and shield both fail him. His shield melts and his sword shatters. He is unable to deliver any kind of fatal blow. This is fate (Wyrd) at work here. 
• Beowulf's men flee, but it's not like they would be any help. They are not strong enough to fight the dragon and certainly cannot change their king's fate.
• Wiglaf is the only one who stays behind. He is brave and noble, showing courage and honor to his lord, Beowulf, but ultimately bad timing. As he speaks, Beowulf is being burnt to a crisp by the dragon. Wiglaf may not be the brightest, but he is one of the noblest and bravest of Beowulf's soldiers as we will see soon.

As for the battle with Grendel's mother? You can check out the information from our padlet below!