The dragon (Beowulf)

The dragon in Beowulf is a pivotal antagonist, representing greed, destruction, and the inevitable decay of the heroic age. Unlike later portrayals of dragons as intelligent or complex creatures, the Beowulf dragon is primarily a force of nature, driven by territoriality and avarice. It guards a hoard of ancient treasure, accumulated over centuries, which is disturbed by a thief stealing a single cup.

This act of theft provokes the dragon's wrath, causing it to terrorize the Geats with fire and destruction. Beowulf, the aging king of the Geats, sees this as a challenge befitting his legendary status and a final opportunity to demonstrate his heroic prowess. He resolves to fight the dragon himself, despite his age and the inherent danger.

The dragon serves as a symbol of the dangers of unchecked material wealth and the corrupting influence of greed. Its hoard, representing forgotten empires and lost glory, ultimately brings about the downfall of both the dragon and Beowulf. The battle with the dragon is a significant departure from Beowulf's earlier fights against Grendel and Grendel's mother. This final battle necessitates the use of weapons and armor, highlighting Beowulf's vulnerability and the shift towards a more conventional, yet still heroic, form of warfare. The dragon's fiery breath and venomous bite pose a significant threat, emphasizing the mortality of even the greatest heroes.

The dragon's defeat comes at a high price, costing Beowulf his life. This sacrifice underscores the poem's themes of mortality, legacy, and the transience of earthly glory. Beowulf's death after defeating the dragon marks the end of an era and foreshadows the decline of the Geatish kingdom. The dragon, therefore, is not merely a monster to be slain, but a symbol of the forces that ultimately bring about the end of the heroic age and a poignant reminder of the inevitability of death.