Beowulf #7

1. "his Geat forces drove forward to destroy the camp" pg. 199 (2959-2961) Bad king. Hygelac tries to be a good king by destroying his enemy (the Swedes) what he doesn't know is that this move will eventually bite him in the ass and destroy his clan (the Geats). Beowulf dies, its the Swedes time for revenge and wergild for what Hygelac did to them. Good king vs. Bad king.

2. So this bad blood...Beowulf is dead. pg. 201-203 (2999-3003) This is an example of wergild. Now that Beowulf is gone a tragic future awaits the Geats.

3. He worked for...like a hero. pg. 203 (3006-3007) Beowulf possesses the qualities of a hero. He sacrifices his life to kill the dragon. His bravery gets him down there, while his determination makes it so he doesn't turn around and run. You see gallantry after Wiglaf gives his speech. He is also loyal and has fortitude.

4. "Often when one man follows his own will many are hurt." pg. 207 (3077-3078) Wiglaf here is suggesting that perhaps Beowulf acted foolishly and wrongly as a king. For his actions of always wanting victory and pride, has made it so all the Geats will suffer.

5. I managed to enter...under the earthwall. pg. 207 (3088-3090) God lets Wiglaf pass. Perhaps Wiglaf will be the next great warrior and king. Previously its said that Wiglaf was hand picked out to help the great king, he then sticks by Beowulf's side and proves himself in battle...just as Beowulf had to do for himself. After the death of the king you then see Wiglaf giving orders...just as a king would do. If you look at the qualities I put above for a hero, you'll see that Wiglaf possesses all of these as well.

6. "Now shall flame consume our leader in battle" pg. 209 (3115-3116) This is ironic because Beowulf will be burned for his funeral just as his death happened from a fire breathing dragon.