Question

1. what does beowulf fight in the last battle?
2. what two things does beowulf carry with him to fight the dragon?
3. what begins to happen to the shield?
4. the sword does beowulf more harm than good in the final battle. what happens to it?
5. how do beowulfs warriors act in this battle? why do you think that is?
6. name the one warrior who stays to help beowulf.
7. what is his reasoning for defending beowulf and helping him win his final battle?
8. what does beowulf request of wiglaf after he sees the treasure from the dragons cave?
9. when the dying beowulf gives wiglaf his gold necklace, what does the gesture mean?
10. what happens to beowulf?

Explanation:

1. In the last battle of Beowulf, he fights a dragon that has been guarding a hoard of treasure and is enraged after a thief steals a cup from its lair.
2. Beowulf carries a shield and a sword named Naegling to fight the dragon.
3. The shield begins to melt under the dragon's fiery breath.
4. The sword Naegling shatters when Beowulf strikes the dragon, failing him in the crucial moment.
5. Beowulf's warriors flee in fear during the battle, showing cowardice. This may be because the dragon is a terrifying and powerful foe beyond their courage to face.
6. The warrior who stays to help Beowulf is Wiglaf.
7. Wiglaf defends Beowulf because he is loyal to his lord, respects Beowulf's past deeds and leadership, and believes in the warrior - code of honor.
8. After seeing the treasure from the dragon's cave, Beowulf requests that Wiglaf bring him a sample of the treasure so he can see it before he dies.
9. When the dying Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold necklace, it is a gesture of passing on his kingship and acknowledging Wiglaf's loyalty and bravery.
10. Beowulf is mortally wounded by the dragon. He manages to kill the dragon with Wiglaf's help but succumbs to his injuries.

Answer:

1. A dragon.
2. A shield and the sword Naegling.
3. It begins to melt.
4. It shatters.
5. They flee in fear. Because the dragon is too powerful and terrifying.
6. Wiglaf.
7. He is loyal to Beowulf, respects his leadership and believes in the warrior - code of honor.
8. He requests Wiglaf to bring him a sample of the treasure.
9. It is a gesture of passing on his kingship and acknowledging Wiglaf's loyalty and bravery.
10. He is mortally wounded and dies.