18. The Danish people are finally at rest free from the war against Grendel, until a the fire dragon awakes and begins burning the city. The fire dragon awakes in anger because he heard a man stealing treasures from his cave. The man stole “a gem-studded cup, and fled”. (Line 7). This angered the dragon so much that he left his cave and began to terrorize the city. Beowulf feels that he must have broken God’s law because of the terrible wakening of the fire breathing dragon. He believes he must have done something awful for this great terror to struck the city. He can tell he is letting his me down. In line 29 it says, “he accused himself of breaking God’s law, of bringing the Almighty’s anger down on his people.” This statement proved that Beowulf is putting the blame for this awful tragedy on himself. The dragon burnt down the whole city and since the hall has been burnt down, Beowulf feels that the Geat’s should seek revenge. He says that the Geats deserve revenge for what had happened to their city and meeting place. …show more content…
Previously, Beowulf has fought Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Now he is preparing for another battle with the fire dragon. This time, he is entering battle less confident and very unsure of himself. He is second guessing his weapons and armor and saying that even if he dies he knows it is for a good cause. As he is preparing for this battle, he brings both the power of his hand and a sword but knows the dragon’s breathe will probably destroy them. In his farewell to his followers he says “stand till fate decides which of us wins… wait for me close by my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive” (Lines 61-65). Beowulf is almost accepting defeat and