Journal 3: Images and Tones in Beowulf

The epic Beowulf ends on a very somber note. The daring, admired king Beowulf suffered fatal wounds in battle by a dragon. A young warrior, Wiglaf, who fought alongside Beowulf, was with him when he died. Beowulf spoke to Wiglaf about how grateful he was to have been able to leave his people with the dragon’s treasure. He instructs Wiglaf to erect a barrow on the coast, as a symbol to those who pass. His words are very grave and make it clear that this will be Beowulf’s end. Immediately after speaking this, Beowulf breathes his last. His passing is described as his soul fleeing “from his breast to its destined place among the steadfast ones”. This imagery makes the death seem not only tragic, but also reverent and noble. It is as though Beowulf is achieving some honor by joining his fellow warriors who have fallen. At the very end of the epic, a group of warriors ride around Beowulf’s grave, grieving for their lost king and praising his accomplishments.