ot expecting another monster so he was a caught by surprise a little. Also, Beowulf had a harder time defeating Grendel’s mother than he did with killing Grendel. In this fight, I think Beowulf was fighting more in self-defense than in a heroic sense. He really had no choice other to fight. If he didn’t fight, however, he would be considered a chicken. So, is Beowulf a hero for killing Grendel's mother? Yes and no. Yes, because he knew that fighting Grendel’s mother could kill him. No, because he was really fighting in self-defense.As the story continues, Beowulf returns back to the Geats and becomes King when Hygelac dies. While Beowulf was ruler, he did not encounter any major battles for 50 winters (years). Everything was nice and peaceful until one day a thief decided to go to a dragon’s lair and steal something for the king. The dragon is sleeping when the item is stolen so the thief got away, but when the dragon wakes up, all hell breaks loose. The dragon gets furious and travels to the castle and burns it down. Beowulf, now around 70-80 years old, hears of the dragon that is terrorizing his kingdom decides that it is his responsibility to protect his people. He has the blacksmith make him a special iron shield and calls for Wicglaf, a warrior that is very much like Beowulf when he was younger. Beowulf, knowing that his chances of winning against the dragon are very slim, continues to go and fight the dragon. He strikes the dragon with his sword, but it hits the bone and does not do too much damage. Beowulf fights the dragon with all his might, but it just isn’t enough. Fate takes over the battle and the dragon is able to bite Beowulf in his neck with his fangs. However, Wicglaf is able to give the fatal stab while the dragon bites Beowulf. Beowulf has fought his last battle. Although Beowulf knows that he will be dead soon, he is content with all the good deeds that he has done and he...
