39. "Inspired again by the thought of glory, the war-king threw his whole strength behind a sword-stroke and connected with the skull. And Naegling snapped. Beowulf's ancient iron-grey sword let him down in the fight. It was never his fortune to be helped in combat by the cutting edge of weapons made in iron. When he wielded a sword, no matter how blooded and hard-edged the blade his hand was too strong, the stroke he dealt (I have heard) would ruin it." (2677-2687)
Swords snap, melt, and otherwise fail their owners. During Beowulf's final battle with the dragon, it's explained that our hero is just too strong for the blades of the swords forged by men.
40. "The old lord gazed sadly at the gold. 'To the everlasting Lord of All, to the King of Glory, I give thanks that I behold this treasure here in front of me, that I have been allowed to leave my people so well endowed on the day I die.'" (2793-2798)
As he dies, Beowulf seems to feel conflicted about the treasure that he has won from the dragon. On the other hand, he is glad that he's leaving a great deal of wealth to the Geat people, which should lend power and authority to their nation. On the other-other hand, he looks at the gold "sadly," suggesting that he doubts whether it was worth sacrificing his life for it.
#40 - good.
ReplyDelete#39 - think about what Beowulf being too strong for weapons means or reveals about him?